Public Astronomy Night 3/6 + Mandatory Registration Form

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Outreach Admin

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Feb 20, 2026, 3:37:12 PMFeb 20
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Hi everyone, 

Please join us in Pupin Hall on Friday March 6 at 7pm to learn about telescope development from PhD candidate Meghna Sitaram. We will observe after, weather permitting. 

Astronomy relies on data collected from telescopes on the ground, in the atmosphere, and in outer space – but how are these tools made? In this talk, we’ll discover how telescopes and other instruments go from existing as an idea in someone’s head to becoming physical reality in the lab and then to collecting light from the cosmos. We’ll learn about a few instruments used to study galaxies in different ways, and how each step of the process – the design, development, and use – depends upon its scientific purpose.

Unfortunately, Columbia's campus is still closed to non-affiliates, so you need to register in order to join this event if you do not have a Columbia ID. 

To register, fill out this form for everyone in your party by midnight March 4:  https://tinyurl.com/h9ykh2pp

Each adult must register with a unique email address. We cannot accept repeated email addresses. After you register, Columbia will email you a QR code during the week of the event to the email you put on the form. The QR code will come from  caladmi...@columbia.edu with "CU Guest Access" as the sender. You must bring the QR code and an ID to get on campus at the 116th and Broadway gates.

Minors (under age 18) must also register, but they will not be asked to provide an email address. They will not be emailed a QR code or need to show an ID. 

If you do not fill out the form by March 4 or bring the QR code and your ID, we cannot get you into the event. We apologize for the inconvenience of the logistics. Please let us know if you have any questions.

We'll start the evening at 7pm with some astronomy trivia, followed by Meghna's talk and Q&A. From 8:10-9:10pm, we will be outside observing on campus (weather permitting). 

The main event will take place in Pupin Hall 301. Signs will be posted to direct you to the lecture hall, and general directions to Columbia and Pupin Hall can be found here. Telescopes will be provided by Columbia Astronomy (but you are absolutely welcome to bring your own observing equipment).

This event is free and open to all -- stay only as long as you want. We're looking forward to seeing you in Pupin Hall!

Cheers,

Columbia Astronomy Public Outreach


Outreach Admin

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Mar 4, 2026, 9:28:18 AMMar 4
to Columbia Astronomy Public Outreach

Thanks to everyone who has already registered! If you have registered and are not a minor, you should have received a QR from <caladmi...@columbia.edu> by now. If you are having trouble finding the QR code, please check your spam and trash folders and email us asap if it’s still missing (astro.o...@gmail.com).


This is a reminder to register by midnight tonight if you have not already done so and plan to attend. You must register to gain access to the event. Below are a couple of things to keep in mind:

  • Minors do not need an email or an ID when registering. Their names will be added to a list, but they will not receive a QR code

  • Everyone else must have a QR code and an ID to enter campus. The QR code will be emailed to the email you put on the registration form

  • There cannot be repeated emails. Each adult must be registered with a unique email

  • The walk to Pupin requires going up stairs. If this presents a barrier to you, please let us know when you arrive so we can escort you through an accessible route.

Thank you all so much for your patience with the complex registration process. We're excited to see you Friday; it’ll be a great talk! If you can't join us, we will stream the talk on our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@columbia-astro-outreach

Outreach Admin

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Mar 6, 2026, 2:58:47 PMMar 6
to Columbia Astronomy Public Outreach

Thanks to everyone who has registered for our event tonight! We are looking forward to seeing you in Pupin hall. Please remember to bring your QR code and ID if you are not a minor to the 116th and Broadway gates. If you need an accessible route to get to Pupin once you arrive, please let us know at the gates. We will have someone standing there until 7:15pm.


Unfortunately, the weather is not looking good, so we will not be observing after the talk. Fingers crossed for next time!


If you have any questions, please email us at astro.o...@gmail.com


You can also live stream the talk or watch it later on our youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@columbia-astro-outreach  . 


Cheers,

The Outreach Team

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