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Humanities play integral role in the UF Astraeus Space Institute

Nov 5, 2025

2 min

Aaron HillStephen ElardoAmy J. Williams
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The ability to imagine has given the human species the power to create, problem solve, empathize, and theorize. In fact, creative imagination can be found at the origin of every modern development throughout time. From medical advancements and the formation of governments to the establishment of the internet and the creation of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 — all at first were simply imagined.


So, it is not a leap to think that in establishing a space institute at the University of Florida, collaborators would continue to anchor the institution in the human element of imagination. That’s where space exploration began.


Ancient Greek philosopher Thales, later known as the father of Greek science and mathematics, questioned the true origins of the universe. Introducing deductive reasoning, Thales sought answers beyond the stories of gods and heroes. Three hundred years later, Aristotle theorized the geocentric layout of the universe with Earth at its stationery core and celestial bodies revolving around it.


In the early 14th century, the Italian poet Dante told the story of a vertical journey through the universe, reaching the stars in what he described as paradise. And in the fall of 1609, Galileo began observing the heavens with instruments he created to magnify his view up to 20 times beyond what the natural eye could see. Through his telescope, Galileo observed mountains on the moon, rings around Saturn, and the moons of Jupiter, all evidence that the universe did not revolve around the Earth, but the sun.


Inspired by words written in 1865 by Jules Verne in his novel, “De la Terre à la Lune” (From the Earth to the Moon), a 10-year-old Russian boy questioned, could travel be possible beyond the Earth’s atmosphere? Could Verne’s 900-foot-long space gun propel humans — or anything for that matter — through the bonds of gravity and into outer space?


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Looking to know more about the UF Astraeus Space Institute or connect with Rob Ferl, Amy J. Williams or Stephen Elardo? Simply click on either expert's icon now to arrange an interview today.

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Aaron Hill

Aaron Hill

Associate Professor

Aaron Hill's research focuses on strategic leadership and governance of executive selection, turnover, and retention.

TurnoverCEOFirm-Political Interface (campaign contributions, lobbying, stock investments)Boards of DirectorsExecutive Compensation
Stephen Elardo

Stephen Elardo

Assistant Professor

Stephen Elardo's research focuses on early planetary formation and evolution, specifically in the geological evolution of the moon.

ArtemisMagmaApolloPlanetary ExplorationThe Moon
Amy J. Williams

Amy J. Williams

Associate Professor

Amy J. Williams is searching for habitable environments and microbial life on Mars and outer world moons.

SpacePersverance RoverNASA Mars MissionsMars MissionsMars

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