PALS - Current

PALSAs part of our mission as a Metropolitan Research University and to build on the success of the Bullitt Lecture in Astronomy, members of our department and visiting lecturers will hold approximately one evening public lecture per month during autumn and spring semesters. Talks will last no more than one hour, and there will be a chance for questions and to talk with the speaker afterward. This is ideal for students of any age and members of the general public.

The Multiverse – A Very Old Idea

When Apr 03, 2024
from 07:00 PM to 08:00 PM
Where Monnik Beer Co., 1036 E Burnett Ave., Lousiville, KY 40217
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Multiverse ConceptSpeaker: Prof. C.M. Graney, Specola Vaticana

Abstract: The multiverse is an idea that is very popular, appearing in books by real scientists and in blockbuster movies that have little in common with either science or reality. It turns out to be a pretty old idea, one that goes way, way, way back... and one that is appealing because of how it solves (or not) a pretty interesting problem in a way that leaves us human beings with lots of room for our imaginations to roam. This talk will focus on a few specific ideas about the multiverse - from ancient times, to the dawn of the Copernican Revolution, to the late 19th century.

 

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Light Pollution - From Annoyance to Heart Attacks

When Mar 06, 2024
from 07:00 PM to 08:00 PM
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Light Pollution Map USA 2022Abstract: With increasing urbanization and modern 24h lifestyle choices, light pollution has become an evident problem for everyone who wants to see the night sky at its best. While light pollution annoys every astronomer regardless of being a professional or hobby observer, artificial light at night has adverse health effects that include an increase in the risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

 

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Statistical rainbows and infinite views of a drab world

When Feb 07, 2024
from 07:00 PM to 08:00 PM
Where Monnik Beer Co., 1036 E Burnett Ave., Lousiville, KY 40217
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various color images of Mars surfaceSpeaker: Dr. Chase Million, Million Concepts

Abstract: What color is Mars? I've spent over 20 years looking at pictures of the "red" planet, and I don't know the answer. I don't even understand the question. But I'll try to explain as much as I can.

 

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James Webb Space Telescope Look At The Earliest Galaxies

When Dec 06, 2023
from 07:00 PM to 08:00 PM
Where Monnik Beer Co., 1036 E Burnett Ave., Lousiville, KY 40217
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JWST Earliest GalaxiesSpeaker: Dr. Benne Holwerda, University of Louisville

Abstract: one of the two main reasons the James Webb Space Telescope was launched was to look for the most distant and thus the very first galaxies. How early the Universe managed to form galaxies is still poorly understood and the search is on for the very first stars as the switched on in the young Universe. I will go over some of what we have learned and where we hope to go next.

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Latest results from HST and JWST

When Nov 01, 2023
from 07:00 PM to 08:00 PM
Where Monnik Beer Co., 1036 E Burnett Ave., Lousiville, KY 40217
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Speaker: Dr. James T. Lauroesch, University of Louisville

HST and JWST ResultsAbstract: The talk will present the last years results from the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope.  Included will be images and spectra of a wide variety of objects, including planets, exoplanets, stars, galaxies, and quasars.

 

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Interplanetary Spacecraft Exploration: 1982-1991

When Oct 04, 2023
from 07:00 PM to 08:00 PM
Where Monnik Beer Co., 1036 E Burnett Ave., Lousiville, KY 40217
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Vega Ballons at Venus

Speaker: Dr. T. Dowling, University of Louisville

Abstract: Exploration of the Solar System by spacecraft is in its 7th decade, since Mariner 2 flew by Venus in 1962. We will examine in detail the 3rd decade, which included NASA’s Voyager mission to Uranus and Neptune and Galileo Mission flyby of Asteroid Gaspra, the Hubble Space Telescope, the Russian Venera mission to Venus and the international armada of spacecraft to Halley’s Comet. This was also the decade of the Challenger disaster, which occurred during the Voyager Uranus encounter. The NASA website eyes.nasa.gov reveals what spacecraft the Deep Space Network (DSN) is listening to at the moment. We will use data from the Galileo flyby of Earth to determine whether or not there is intelligent life on Earth.

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The Great North American Eclipse of 2024

When Sep 06, 2023
from 07:00 PM to 08:00 PM
Where Monnik Beer Co., 1036 E Burnett Ave., Lousiville, KY 40217
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Sun and Moon during totality of a total solar eclipse

Speaker: Dr. G. Williger, University of Louisville

Abstract: We are being treated to two solar eclipses in the coming year, an annular one (partial in KY) on Oct. 14, and a total one which passes through southern IN on April 8. A total eclipse is a chance to experience the forces beyond Earth with many senses: twilight comes in the middle of the day, a few stars come out, the temperature drops, birds go quiet and dogs bark. The sun looks like a giant eye with a pupil, and we see its pearly corona. Come hear details on what’s happening and how to observe it, and why you should not wait until the next one in the US in 2024 to experience totality.

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