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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
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
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
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
Ryan Rubenzahl showcases what's visible in the spring night sky during a stargazing session following the lecture.
Ryan Rubenzahl showcases what's visible in the spring night sky during a stargazing session following the lecture.
Credit: Kaew Tinyanont
Kishalay De addresses a question during a panel Q&A following a Stargazing Lecture.
Kishalay De addresses a question during a panel Q&A following a Stargazing Lecture.
Credit: Christophe Marcadé
Cameron Hummels introduces Jameson Rollins speaking about the recent LIGO gravitational wave discovery.
Professor Bethany Ehlmann discusses the results of a study on Ceres, the largest asteroid in our Solar System.
Professor Mike Brown predicts the presence of a large planet in the outskirts of the solar system.
Maria Okounkova teaches our audience how scientists simulate the growth of black holes.
The audience pays close attention as Astrid Lamberts discusses the impact of black hole evolution on different astrophysical environments.
During a Q&A panel after the Stargazing Lecture, PhD candidates respond to various questions from the audience.
Two enthusiastic young audience members ask a question at a Stargazing Lecture.
Professor Sean Carroll discusses why time flows forwards due to the laws of thermodynamics.
A telescope set up on the athletic fields in preparation for a night of stargazing after the lecture.
A stargazing session on the athletic fields following the conclusion of the public lecture.
Donal O'Sullivan showcases a new discovery of an aging white dwarf star, which will eventually crystallize into an enormous diamond.
Professor Heather Knutson searches for planets outside of our solar system.
Jessie Christiansen and PhD candidates answer questions from the audience during the Q&A panel following the lecture.
A presentation by Mike Wong on the science of Star Trek.
Ryan Rubenzahl showcases what's visible in the spring night sky during a stargazing session following the lecture.
Kishalay De addresses a question during a panel Q&A following a Stargazing Lecture.
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Since the COVID pandemic began in March 2020, we have moved the Stargazing Lecture series to YouTube Live, where we now hold them virtually one Friday evening a month. These events still consist of a 30-minute science lecture, followed by 90 minutes of Q&A with an expert panel of scientists. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold in-person stargazing during the pandemic, but we do provide an update and visualization of astronomical targets viewable in the evening sky. We are hopeful to begin meeting again in person in the Astronomy Department at Caltech when it is safe to do so.

These events are 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. All events are recorded and able to be viewed on our Past Events page and on our YouTube Channel going back to 2016.

Approximate Schedule

7:00PM PDT -- Announcements & Virtual Stargazing
7:10PM PDT -- Lecture Begins
7:40PM PDT -- Q&A Panel Begins
9:00PM PDT -- End of Event