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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

How do astronomers discover planets orbiting distant stars when the planets themselves are too faint to see? Will we find another world like Earth? Join us for our next Stargazing Lecture with NASA JPL scientist Dr. Anjali Tripathi this month! outreach.astro.caltech.edu

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Dark skies, the Milky Way, and thousands of people exploring the Universe. We had a great weekend at the Great Basin Astronomy Festival, sharing telescopes, science talks, and astronomy with visitors from across the country. Thanks to Great Basin National Park for hosting.

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Caltech's Owens Valley Radio Observatory is hosting a series of free public astronomy lectures in Bishop this fall. Hear about black holes, cosmic rays, solar explosions, and radio bursts. Talks will be at Cerro Coso Community College in Bishop and are free and open to all.

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

How have ground-based telescopes transformed our view of the Universe? We recently hosted Kaitlyn Shin to discuss the history and science of ground-based telescopes at Astronomy on Tap. Kaitlyn's presentation is now up on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HAs...

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Our scientists helped out with the Sequoia Dark Sky Festival this month. We brought telescopes (including a radio telescope), hosted an Astrophysicist Q&A Panel, and gave science presentations on cosmology and asteroids. Great trees, great skies, and great crowds!

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Exciting news for astronomy in Pasadena! NASA has selected PRIMA, the PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics, to move forward in development. Congratulations to the entire PRIMA team, including our colleagues at NASA JPL and IPAC here in Pasadena! www.nasa.gov/news-release...

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

What secrets are hidden beneath the clouds of Venus? What can our Venus teach us about the evolution of Earth-like worlds? Last week, NASA scientist Amy Hofmann joined us to discuss DAVINCI, an upcoming NASA mission to visit Venus. Now up on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1alg...

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

How can we use echoes of light to map the regions around supermassive black holes? How do astronomers connect computer simulations of galaxies with what we actually see in the Universe? Join us Monday, September 28th at 7:30PM for Astronomy on Tap! outreach.astro.caltech.edu/aot

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

What makes a solar eruption extreme? Why are some eruptions from the Sun far more powerful than others? We recently hosted solar physicist Gabriel Muro to discuss the physics behind solar eruptions at Astronomy on Tap. Now up on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYNd...

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Last month, we teamed up with Lassen Volcanic National Park for Dark Skies at Lassen, a weekend of stargazing and science! We had great weather, beautiful views, and lots of astronomy throughout the weekend. Join us at Sequoia or Great Basin this weekend for similar events!

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

What happens when a star ventures too close to a supermassive black hole? How can a black hole's gravity literally tear a star apart? We recently hosted researcher Xiaoshan Huang to discuss these phenomena at a recent Astronomy on Tap. Now on Youtube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMru...

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Did Venus once have oceans? Why did Earth's nearest planetary neighbor become such a hellish world? Join us for a lecture by NASA JPL scientist Dr. Amy Hofmann on Sept 18 @ 8PM. Talk followed by stargazing with telescopes. In-person and on YouTube. Free! outreach.astro.caltech.edu

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Come look through a telescope under some of the darkest skies in the USA! Join us next week at Great Basin National Park in eastern Nevada for the Great Basin Astronomy Festival, September 10–12. Free and open to all. www.nps.gov/grba/planyou...

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

What causes gamma-ray bursts, the most powerful explosions in the Universe? We recently hosted Caltech PhD student Delina Levine to give a presentation at Astronomy on Tap all about gamma-ray bursts. Her presentation is now up on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rdn...

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Do you like nature and astronomy? Join us in 2 weeks for the Sequoia Dark Sky Festival, September 11–13! We'll be joining the National Park Service for a weekend of stargazing, science presentations, and more. sequoiaparksconservancy.org/dark-sky-fes...

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Do electrons really spin? Last week, Professor Chip Sebens joined us to explore this deceptively simple question and took us on a journey through electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and the philosophy of physics. His presentation is now up on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-mN...

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

How did astronomers discover that our Milky Way is just one of countless galaxies in the Universe? What role did the 100-inch telescope at Mount Wilson play in this story? We hosted Dr. Jeff Rich from Carnegie Observatories to discuss these topics: youtu.be/BZNGzm6SvvE

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

How do astronomers observe a universe filled with light our eyes can't see? Why are some telescopes built on mountains while others are launched into space? Join us Monday, August 31st for our next Astronomy on Tap. outreach.astro.caltech.edu

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

What exactly is an electron--is it a tiny particle, a wave, or something else entirely? What does quantum mechanics really tell us about the nature of an electron? Join us for our next Stargazing Lecture on August 21st. outreach.astro.caltech.edu

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Want to learn about the Moon from someone who has been there? We hosted Apollo 17 astronaut Harrison Schmitt this week for a presentation on geology. Dr. Schmitt is a Caltech alum ('57) and one of the four surviving people who have walked on the Moon. www.youtube.com/watch?v=yA7W...

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

How can black holes serve as cosmic fossils, revealing the lives of the massive stars that created them billions of years ago? Floor Broekgaarden, astrophysicist at UC San Diego discussed this topic at Astronomy on Tap! Her presentation is on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzn5...

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Caltech will be hosting astronaut and statesman Harrison Schmitt on Tuesday, August 4 @ 2PM. Dr. Schmitt served as the Lunar Module Pilot on Apollo 17 and is one of the four surviving people to have walked on the Moon. For more information, see: outreach.astro.caltech.edu

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

What can an x-ray view of the sky tell us about dark energy and how the universe evolved over billions of years? Last month we hosted Esra Bulbul, the lead cosmologist working on the eROSITA x-ray mission, to discuss the mission and relevant science at our Astronomy on Tap event.

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

NASA's Roman Space Telescope launches in a month. Last week, NASA scientist Lee Armus joined us to talk about the mission and its science goals, from exoplanet direct imaging to studying the nature of dark matter and dark energy! His presentation is now up on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGVa...

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Do you like national parks and astronomy? Join us in two weeks at Lassen National Park for a weekend of astronomy. There will be guided stargazing with telescopes, constellation tours, and presentations from NASA+Caltech scientists! www.nps.gov/lavo/planyou...

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

How do black holes literally tear apart stars? What causes the Sun to erupt and send material into space? Join us Monday, August 3rd at 7:30PM at our next Astronomy on Tap. Science, telescopes, pub trivia--all for free! outreach.astro.caltech.edu/aot

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

What goes on inside of a star cluster? What happens to black holes that form there? We recently hosted Professor Kyle Kremer to describe the extreme conditions in these dense environments and their consequences. Now up on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYAB...

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

We helped host the City of Astronomy Science Festival last month, featuring lots of science activities over a Sunday afternoon. It was magical with over 2000 attendees, including Mayor Gordo and Congresswoman Chu. For more information, see: www.cityofastronomy.org/about

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Is there significant evidence for extraterrestrial life? What do scientists think about aliens? We recently hosted Dr. Tom Rice, Professor of Physics at George Washington University as he discussed this exciting topic. Now up on our YouTube channel: youtu.be/jt7ObvfM0xI

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

NASA is launching its next great observatory, the Roman Space Telescope in September 2026. What will it do? What new discoveries is it expected to make? Join us for our next Stargazing Lecture from Senior Research Scientist Dr. Lee Armus to learn more! outreach.astro.caltech.edu

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

How were galaxies discovered right here in Los Angeles at the Mt. Wilson Observatory? What causes gamma-ray bursts, the most powerful explosions in the universe? Join us Monday, July 13th at 7:30PM at our next Astronomy on Tap. outreach.astro.caltech.edu/aot

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

How can we find the darkest skies in the USA, and what can we do to preserve them? Stephen Hummel, Director of Dark Sky Preservation at McDonald Observatory gave our 150th Astronomy on Tap event last month on this important topic. Now on our YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiKw...

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Interested in learning about what exists in the emptiness of space? Dr. Stella Ocker gave a great Stargazing Lecture last week on this topic to a packed auditorium. Her presentation is now up on our YouTube channel! www.youtube.com/live/j1D5PgC...

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

What's going on in the center of our Milky Way? Our 150th Astronomy on Tap featured Prof. Cara Battersby from UConn discussing her research on star formation in the galactic center. Now on our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoAX...

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

What fills the seemingly empty void between the stars? And how can mysterious cosmic beacons help us uncover the structure of the invisible universe? Join us for our next Stargazing Lecture on Friday, June 26 to learn more. In-person and live-streamed! outreach.astro.caltech.edu

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

Our City of Astronomy Science Festival takes place this Sunday (June 14) at the Pasadena Convention Center 1-5PM. Come join us for a family-friendly afternoon of science demonstrations, solar telescopes, and public presentations, all for FREE! www.cityofastronomy.org/astrofest2026

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

How can we study black holes as cosmic fossils? What can we learn about black holes, neutron stars, and white dwarfs in star clusters? Join us Wed, June 17th for our 3rd Astronomy on Tap of the week featuring telescopes, pub trivia, music, and science! outreach.astro.caltech.edu/aot

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

What does the night sky look like in x-rays and why? Do professional astronomers think aliens actually exist and why? Join us at 7:30PM Tuesday, June 16th for a very special Astronomy on Tap to discuss these questions for our 10th anniversary! Free to all! outreach.astro.caltech.edu/aot

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

How does gas form into stars in the center of our Milky Way? How can we best experience and preserve dark skies in an age of light? Join us at 7:30PM Monday, June 15th for our 150th Astronomy on Tap (and the first of three this week)! outreach.astro.caltech.edu/aot

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Join us for a FREE afternoon of science demonstrations, solar telescopes, and public-level presentations on black holes, exoplanets, galaxies, and more. Come learn about space with scientists from Caltech, NASA JPL, Carnegie, LIGO, etc. More info at: www.cityofastronomy.org

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

How do can we photograph black holes and dark matter? Professor Katie Bouman joined us last week for an outstanding Stargazing Lecture explaining how scientists are utilizing AI to help take images of exotic astrophysical phenomena. Now on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZIe...

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

The NASA Artemis II mission recently visited the Moon. We hosted Sarah Elizabeth McCandless, one of the navigation engineers for the Artemis II mission to discuss the mission and what it was like behind the scenes. Now on our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWDc...

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

How do scientists use AI, physics, and telescope observations to "photograph" black holes and dark matter? Join us for a lecture by Professor Katie Bouman, who helped take the first picture of a black hole. outreach.astro.caltech.edu

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Why did a lunar lander payload put a hole in the Moon? We hosted Roshan Misra from Honeybee Robotics last week to discuss his team's LISTER instrument that put a hole in the Moon. His talk is now up on our YouTube channel! www.youtube.com/watch?v=dddB... Photos by Robb Rosenfeld.

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

Caltech Astro scientists recently contributed to the Night of Ideas at the Wende Museum, featuring solar telescopes, solar s'mores, and a presentation by Dr. Joanna Piotrowska on black holes. Thanks for hosting us, Villa Albertine! Photo Credit: Tag Christof

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

What happened behind the scenes on Artemis II's recent journey to the Moon? Why did a recent lunar lander leave a hole on the lunar surface? Join us Monday, April 27th at 7:30PM as we discuss these topics and more at our next Astronomy on Tap. outreach.astro.caltech.edu

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Last month, we participated in the Great Orion Dark Sky Festival near Death Valley NP. We hosted solar demos and solar telescopes, astrophysicist Q&A panels, and astronomy presentations by Dr. Cameron Hummels on black holes, galaxies, and the formation of the solar system.

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 08/04/2026

Last month, we teamed up with Ventura College to host two days of public astronomy lectures and telescope sessions. Dr. Cameron Hummels gave presentations on galaxies and black holes, and put on solar observing sessions and a star party.

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Caltech and NASA JPL scientists are tracking Artemis II on its way to the Moon. These images were taken using the Hale Telescope at Palomar Observatory, one of the largest telescopes in the world.

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Caltech Astro @caltechastro.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

Last Friday, we hosted former NASA JPL Director Charles Elachi. He provided a bird's eye view of NASA's approach to exploration with lots of anecdotes from his time in leadership. Dr. Elachi's fantastic presentation is now up on our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uhre...

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