Astronomy on Tap
Astronomy on Tap is a global phenomenon where professional astronomers give informal science talks in local bars with accompanying pub trivia and interactions with the public. The Los Angeles chapter of Astronomy on Tap is organized by Dr. Cameron Hummels, and it features speakers from many LA-based institutions: Caltech, Carnegie Observatories, The Planetary Society, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, UCLA, Griffith Observatory, and more.
Each event consists of two 20-minute talks on some aspect of astronomy/astrophysics with broad appeal. We answer questions from the audience after each talk, host astronomically-themed pub trivia with cool prizes, and have professional astronomers on hand to discuss space science with interested audience members. When weather conditions permit, we also provide guided stargazing with telescopes. In addition, we oftentimes are accompanied by local rock stars Jason Achilles and Forrest Mitchell, who play rock music during intermissions.
Our in-person Astronomy on Tap events take place monthly at the Dog Haus Biergarten in Old Town Pasadena, where we are on the back patio and totally outdoors. These two-hour sessions occur one Monday a month at 7:30 PM PT. As with all of our activities, Astronomy on Tap is entirely free and open to all. No reservations are necessary--just show up and stay for only as long as you want. Food and beverages are available for purchase at happy hour prices throughout our Astronomy on Tap event, and all ages are welcome. Check out our Upcoming Events and Directions pages, and consider following us on social media for announcements on upcoming events--we hope to see you there!
Astronomy on Tap presentations are recorded and placed on our YouTube Channel in the days following these events. See our Past Astronomy on Tap page for a full listing of our previous speakers and presentations with links to photo and video when available.
Approximate Schedule
7:30PM -- Presentation #1
8:00PM -- Intermission w/ Pub Trivia
8:20PM -- Presentation #2
8:45PM -- Intermission w/Pub Trivia
9:00PM -- Pub Trivia Answers and Prizes
9:30PM -- End of Event
The video above takes you through a typical intermission period at Astronomy on Tap. You can view recordings of Astronomy on Tap presentations here.