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Stargazing Lecture

Friday, February 4, 2022
7:00pm to 9:00pm
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Online Event
Mapping the Universe with Atoms and Molecules that Shine
Guochao Sun, PhD Candidate, Department of Astronomy, Caltech,
  • Public Event

Because this is an online event, the in-person stargazing that normally follows events in this series will not be possible.


Join the YouTube Livestream here: https://youtu.be/0b7-4tfx3J4

7:00–7:30 p.m. - Virtual Lecture
7:30–9:00 p.m. - Virtual Panel Q&A and Discussion

Since the beginning, people have wondered about the structure of the universe around us. Studying the starlight from millions of observed galaxies, astronomers are assembling an increasingly detailed picture of our universe, from the present to the distant past. In this lecture, I will describe a novel tool that allows astronomers to map the universe in a complementary manner to starlight: by measuring the light emitted from the cosmic gas, composed of atoms and molecules, that permeates our universe. Using this technique, astronomers are now peeking into the still mysterious chapters of our cosmic history, such as the infant universe when the first stars and galaxies formed.

About the Series

Stargazing Lectures are free lectures at a public level followed by a Q&A panel and guided stargazing with telescopes (weather permitting). All events are held at the Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics at Caltech. No reservations are needed. Lectures are 30 minutes; stargazing and panel Q&A last 90 minutes. Stay only as long as you want.

Stargazing is only possible with clear skies, but the lecture and panel Q&A takes place regardless of weather.

For directions, weather updates, and more information, please visit: http://outreach.astro.caltech.edu.

For more information, please contact Cameron Hummels by email at chummels@caltech.edu.