In a captivating inaugural lecture, an atmospheric physicist, Prof. Johnson Olufemi Adepitan has shared his insights into the Earth’s atmosphere, sparking curiosity about the age-old belief that thunder and lightning are divine manifestations.
He stated this during the Institution’s 27th Inaugural Lecture titled: “EARTH’S ATMOSPHERE: THE MULTI-LAYERED SAUCE OF THE TOASTED EARTH-SPACE SANDWICH”, held at the TETfund 2012 Hall of the Ijagun Main Campus recently.
The lecturer who was a Physicist and a Pastor began by acknowledging the marvels of creation, suggesting that ancient cultures often interpreted these dramatic natural occurrences as the work of gods.
Using engaging metaphors, the physicist described the atmosphere as a “multi-layered sauce” protecting the “toasted Earth-space sandwich.” This analogy highlighted the complex and essential role the atmosphere plays in sustaining life on our planet.
While many might still attribute thunder and lightning to divine wrath, the physicist emphasized the need to understand these phenomena through a scientific lens.
The former Head of Department, Department of Physics underscored humanity’s stewardship over the Earth, referencing Psalm 115:16, which notes that while the heavens belong to God, the Earth has been entrusted to humans. This call to responsibility is particularly pressing in light of the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation.
To illustrate the atmosphere’s critical functions, the speaker referred to various scientific organizations such as NASA, which described the atmosphere as a “blanket” that keeps the Earth warm, while the European Space Agency characterized it as a protective “shield” from harmful radiation.
The American Meteorological Society presented it as a “life-support system,” vital for maintaining the air we breathe and regulating temperature.
Delving into the science of atmospheric physics, the lecturer explored the intricate interactions between the atmosphere and other elements of the Earth’s system, including space.
The sun’s radiation, which powers weather and climate systems, plays a significant role in these interactions. The physicist reminded the audience that the atmosphere extends about 96 kilometers above the Earth’s surface and is crucial in driving weather variations, shaping our climate, and ultimately supporting life.
The talk culminated in a call for greater emphasis on atmospheric science, urging attendees to appreciate the delicate balance of our planet’s systems. By enhancing our understanding of the atmosphere, we can better harness its benefits while ensuring the protection of our environment.
As the lecture concluded, it was clear that while thunder and lightning may have been historically attributed to the gods, modern science offers a more profound and complex understanding of these natural phenomena—one that highlights the interconnectedness of all elements that sustain life on Earth.
In his speech at the occasion, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oluwole Banjo FWISON FASN FAIMP dfsin commended Prof. Adepitan’s commitment to the study of Physics in the last 40 years, describing him as a thoroughbred Academics, resilient, determined and unwavering in his dedication to the University from inception while appealing to the citizens to take adequate care of the planet earth.
In his entourage were members of the Management team, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adekunle Adeogun, the representative of the Registrar and Secretary to the Council, the Secretary of the Postgraduate College cum Deputy Registrar, Mr. Sharafadeen Adebisi, the Acting Librarian, Mr. Omotayo Kadir, the Elese of Ilese – Ijebu, Oba Olufemi Obayomi, members of the academia and other guests from different walks of life.
