Opportunities of Dating an Older Woman: Lucy and the Beginnings of Humankind 3.18 Million Years Ago

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Lucy’s discovery, renowned geochronologist Dr. Jim Aronson discusses an unforgettable journey to Hadar, Ethiopia, where the iconic fossil was unearthed in 1974. Experience firsthand accounts of the exploration as Dr. Aronson shares how he utilized comparative sedimentology to reconstruct Lucy’s ancient environment—a lush, diverse ecosystem that contrasts sharply with today’s arid Afar Triangle. You’ll hear about his remarkable findings on the “First Family,” a group of 13 hominins, and gain insights into how they lived and died 3.22 million years ago. This engaging talk promises insights into our evolutionary history and a celebration of a milestone that shaped our understanding of human ancestry.