Society

Psychology Professor on the 'Awe' of the Solar Eclipse

WKMS | By Tracy Ross,

Published September 8, 2017 at 11:54 AM CDT

Murray State University Assistant Professor of Psychology, Michael Bordieri, speaks with Tracy Ross on Sounds Good about the psychology of 'awe' regarding the total solar eclipse. On August 21st, a total solar eclipse was visible in a band stretching across the entire contiguous United States. Western Kentucky fell within the path of totality, and locals and visitors alike travelled to Hopkinsville, Benton, Cadiz, and Land Between the Lakes to witness the full 2 minutes and 40 seconds of darkness.
Dr. Bordieri explains the psychological effects of an awe-inspiring natural event like the solar eclipse, including increased generosity and changed perception of time.

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Tracy Ross

Tracy started working for WKMS in 1994 while attending Murray State University. After receiving his Bachelors and Masters degrees from MSU he was hired as Operations/Web/Sports Director in 2000. Tracy hosted All Things Considered from 2004-2012 and has served as host/producer of several music shows including Cafe Jazz, and Jazz Horizons. In 2001, Tracy revived Beyond The Edge, a legacy alternative music program that had been on hiatus for several years. Tracy was named Program Director in 2011 and created the midday music and conversation program Sounds Good in 2012 which he hosts Monday-Thursday. Tracy lives in Murray with his wife, son and daughter.

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Melanie Davis-McAfee

Melanie Davis-McAfee graduated from Murray State University in 2018 with a BA in Music Business. She has been working for WKMS as a Music and Operations Assistant since 2017. Melanie hosts the late-night alternative show Alien Lanes, Fridays at 11 pm with co-host Tim Peyton. She also produces Rick Nance's Kitchen Sink and Datebook and writes Sounds Good stories for the web.

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