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Department of Astronomy
Astronomy  /  Public Outreach  /  Stargazing Lecture Series

Stargazing Lecture Series

Cameron Hummels introduces Jameson Rollins speaking about the recent LIGO gravitational wave discovery.
Cameron Hummels introduces Jameson Rollins speaking about the recent LIGO gravitational wave discovery.
Credit: Christophe Marcadé
Professor Bethany Ehlmann discusses the results of a study on Ceres, the largest asteroid in our Solar System.
Professor Bethany Ehlmann discusses the results of a study on Ceres, the largest asteroid in our Solar System.
Credit: Christophe Marcadé
Professor Mike Brown predicts the presence of a large planet in the outskirts of the solar system.
Professor Mike Brown predicts the presence of a large planet in the outskirts of the solar system.
Credit: Christophe Marcadé
Maria Okounkova teaches our audience how scientists simulate the growth of black holes.
Maria Okounkova teaches our audience how scientists simulate the growth of black holes.
Credit: Christophe Marcadé
During a Q&A panel after the Stargazing Lecture, PhD candidates respond to various questions from the audience.
During a Q&A panel after the Stargazing Lecture, PhD candidates respond to various questions from the audience.
Credit: Christophe Marcadé
The audience pays close attention as Astrid Lamberts discusses the impact of black hole evolution on different astrophysical environments.
The audience pays close attention as Astrid Lamberts discusses the impact of black hole evolution on different astrophysical environments.
Credit: Christophe Marcadé
Two enthusiastic young audience members ask a question at a Stargazing Lecture.
Two enthusiastic young audience members ask a question at a Stargazing Lecture.
Credit: Christophe Marcadé
Professor Sean Carroll discusses why time flows forwards due to the laws of thermodynamics.
Professor Sean Carroll discusses why time flows forwards due to the laws of thermodynamics.
Credit: Christophe Marcadé
A telescope set up on the athletic fields in preparation for a night of stargazing after the lecture.
A telescope set up on the athletic fields in preparation for a night of stargazing after the lecture.
Credit: Christophe Marcadé
A stargazing session on the athletic fields following the conclusion of the public lecture.
A stargazing session on the athletic fields following the conclusion of the public lecture.
Credit: Christophe Marcadé
Donal O'Sullivan showcases a new discovery of an aging white dwarf star, which will eventually crystallize into an enormous diamond.
Donal O'Sullivan showcases a new discovery of an aging white dwarf star, which will eventually crystallize into an enormous diamond.
Credit: Christophe Marcadé
Professor Heather Knutson searches for planets outside of our solar system.
Professor Heather Knutson searches for planets outside of our solar system.
Credit: Christophe Marcadé
Jessie Christiansen and PhD candidates answer questions from the audience during the Q&A panel following the lecture.
Jessie Christiansen and PhD candidates answer questions from the audience during the Q&A panel following the lecture.
Credit: Christophe Marcadé
A presentation by Mike Wong on the science of Star Trek.
A presentation by Mike Wong on the science of Star Trek.
Credit: Christophe Marcadé

One Friday night a month, we host a free public lecture on astronomy and space science given by a member of our department. These events consist of a 30-minute science lecture, followed by an hour of guided stargazing with telescopes on the adjacent athletic fields. We also provide an extended Q&A with an expert panel of professional scientists after the lecture. The guided stargazing is contingent on clear weather, but the lecture and Q&A will occur either way.

These events are free, open to all, and held at the level of a layperson with no science background. Children are welcome to join, although some of the material may be a little bit advanced, depending on the topic of the month. No reservations are needed, just show up, and stay for only as long as you want. Stargazing Lectures take place in the Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics on Caltech's campus. For directions and parking information, see our Directions page.

In addition to being held in person, our Stargazing Lectures and Q&A are live-streamed on our Caltech Astro YouTube channel. You can view photos and video recordings of all of our past stargazing lectures going back to 2016. For announcements of our next lecture, visit our Upcoming Events page or follow us on social media.


Approximate Schedule

7:30PM -- Doors Open
8:00PM -- Announcements
8:05PM -- Lecture Begins
8:45PM -- Q&A Panel and Guided Stargazing Begin
9:45PM -- End of Event

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