February Astronomy Events and Death Valley Dark Sky Festival

[Caltech Astro Outreach]

Astronomy enthusiasts,

Apologies for the last few months of silence.  Our events continue this month. As always, these events are free and open to all, no reservations necessary. For more information about these events, including directions, please visit our Caltech Astro Outreach website. 

Friday-Sunday, February 6-8
Death Valley Dark Sky Festival
Death Valley National Park, California



Caltech Astronomy is once again teaming up with the National Park Service to help host the Death Valley Dark Sky Festival this month.  This weekend will feature science demonstrations, public-level astronomy presentations, field walks with scientists, Astronomy on Tap events, and telescope viewing in some of the darkest skies in California. The whole event is free once you have gained entrance to the national park.  Caltech will be hosting two Astronomy on Tap nights (see below), an astrophysicist Q&A panel, a lecture on galaxies by Dr. Cameron Hummels, a keynote lecture on the world's most powerful radio telescope by Professor Gregg Hallinan, and various science demonstrations and solar telescope viewing.  We hope to see you out there!  For more information about the event including a schedule, see the Death Valley NP website.

Friday, February 6 @ 7:00PM
Astronomy on Tap @ Death Valley Dark Sky Festival
Gamma-Ray Bursts: the Universe's Most Energetic Explosions - Delina Levine
The Stellar Graveyard: Black Holes, Neutron Stars, and White Dwarfs - Sam Rose
Badwater Saloon, Stovepipe Wells, Death Valley National Park



This very special Astronomy on Tap will be held at the historic Badwater Saloon in Stovepipe Wells at Death Valley National Park as part of the Death Valley Dark Sky Festival. We'll have two science talks, astronomy-themed pub trivia, and telescopes set up for guided stargazing! Arrive early to ensure you get seats at this popular event. For more information about the event including a schedule, see the Death Valley NP website. Despite occurring at a bar/restaurant, these events are open to all ages and free to all, no reservations needed.  

Saturday, February 7 @ 7:00PM
Astronomy on Tap @ Death Valley Dark Sky Festival
Cannibal Studying the Giants: Understanding the Universe through its Largest Structures - Harshda Saxena
How Jupiter's Moons Became Alien Worlds - Tim Proudkii
Wildrose Tavern, Furnace Creek, Death Valley National Park



This very special Astronomy on Tap will be held at the Wildrose Tavern at Furnace Creek in Death Valley National Park as part of the Death Valley Dark Sky Festival. We'll have two science talks, astronomy-themed pub trivia, and telescopes set up for guided stargazing Arrive early to ensure you get seats at this popular event. For more information about the event including a schedule, see the Death Valley NP website. Despite occurring at a bar/restaurant, these events are open to all ages and free to all, no reservations needed.  

Monday, February 9 @ 7:30PM
Astronomy on Tap
How You Saved NASA Science and What Happens Next - Jack Kiraly
Studying Exoplanet Atmospheres with Space Telescopes Large and Small - Tom Greene
Dog Haus Biergarten, Pasadena

What do we know about the atmospheres surrounding distant worlds in deep space? What happened to NASA's budget and what is the future of funding for space? Join us Monday, February 9th at 7:30PM as we discuss these topics and more at our next Astronomy on Tap. We'll host two ~20 minute talks, Q&A, and then follow it up with interactive, astronomical pub trivia, and guided stargazing with telescopes!

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There will be a Stargazing Lecture on February 27, but I am working on getting a speaker for it. More details soon.

Recent lectures and Astronomy on Tap events have been recorded. Check them out on our Caltech Astro YouTube channel. Please see our website for photos of past events, directions, and more information: http://outreach.astro.caltech.edu .

Cameron