THE POWERS OF NATURE
INITIATIVE
Presents
The Beginning of Light:
The Cosmic Microwave Background Explored Event
An illuminating evening exploring the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) -
the primordial radiation from the Big Bang that offers a glimpse into the
universe’s first light, formed 13.77 billion years ago.
The Amaranthine Foundation, United States Steel
Corporation, and NYCxDESIGN
Featuring
Honorary Speakers
• Dr. Robert Woodrow Wilson, Nobel Laureate (1978) in Physics
• Dr. John Cromwell Mather, Nobel Laureate (2006) in Physics and Explorers
Club Citation of Merit Honoree, Honorary Board Member of The Amaranthine
Foundation
• Mr. Brian Abbott, Deputy Director, The Hyden Planetarium, The American
Museum of Natural History (AMNH), Board Member of The Amaranthine
Foundation
• Dr. Charles L. Bennett, a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor and Alumni
Centennial Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Johns Hopkins University.
Honorary Board Member of The Amaranthine Foundation
• Mr. Christian Gianni, Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Chief
Technology Officer, United States Steel Corporation
• Dr. Lyman Alexander Page Jr., James S. McDonnell Distinguished Professor of
Physics at Princeton University
• Dr. Sandra Piesik, ’The Powers of Nature’ Initiative Lead, Director of 3 ideas,
Visiting Assistant Professor at Pratt Institute’s School of Architecture, New York
• Ms. Warrie Price, President and Founder of The Battery Conservancy
• Ms. Ilene Shaw, CEO of NYCxDESIGN
• Dr. David N. Spergel, President of The Simons Foundation
• Dr. Suzanne Staggs, Henry DeWolf Smyth Professor of Physics at
Princeton University
• Mr. Richard Wiese, President of The Explorers Club
June 27, 2025
The Explorers Club, New York, NY 10021
This historic private event is sponsored by the U.S. Steel Corporation
and convened by the Amaranthine Foundation (Myriad USA 501(c)(3)).
It is part of ‘The Powers of Nature’ initiative, which explores the intersection of
science, art, culture, and public engagement.
The event coincides with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the
U.S. Declaration of Independence and the 125th anniversary of the founding
of United States Steel Corporation.
Event graphic design PlusOne® Amsterdam.
Image: NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope First Deep Field (NIRCam Image) © NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI
KvK-nummer 87599287
RSIN 864343607
ANBI Policy
Charity Navigator Myriad USA
EIN: 58-2277856
The Amaranthine Foundation
Keizersgracht 481-1
1017DL Amsterdam
The Netherlands
www.theamaranthine.earth
Friends of The Amaranthine Foundation Fund in the USA
Myriad USA
(Formerly King Baudouin Foundation United States)
551 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2400
New York, NY 10176
United States