Caltech Astro
@caltechastro.bsky.social
Follow me to keep up to date on Caltech Astronomy Outreach events!
http://outreach.astro.caltech.edu
http://outreach.astro.caltech.edu
UPDATE: DUE TO YET ANOTHER RAINSTORM FORECAST FOR TONIGHT, WE ARE SADLY HAVING TO CANCEL THIS ASTRONOMY ON TAP EVENT. HEAVY RAIN PRESENTS A SAFETY PROBLEM FOR THE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND THE VENUE WILL NOT ALLOW US TO USE THE TELEVISIONS. MANY APOLOGIES, EVERYONE!
How can we build a star here on Earth? How does the fourth state of matter, plasma, behave? This week, we are hosting two Astronomy on Tap events all about plasma physics: Monday, November 17th and Thursday, November 20th at 7:30PM
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
November 20, 2025 at 9:35 PM
UPDATE: DUE TO YET ANOTHER RAINSTORM FORECAST FOR TONIGHT, WE ARE SADLY HAVING TO CANCEL THIS ASTRONOMY ON TAP EVENT. HEAVY RAIN PRESENTS A SAFETY PROBLEM FOR THE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND THE VENUE WILL NOT ALLOW US TO USE THE TELEVISIONS. MANY APOLOGIES, EVERYONE!
Last weekend, we hosted the City of Astronomy Science Festival. We partnered with many other institutions across Pasadena to host science demos and presentations over the day. We had a blast interacting with the 1,000+ attendees who joined. Thanks to everyone who attended!
November 19, 2025 at 11:51 PM
Last weekend, we hosted the City of Astronomy Science Festival. We partnered with many other institutions across Pasadena to host science demos and presentations over the day. We had a blast interacting with the 1,000+ attendees who joined. Thanks to everyone who attended!
We partnered with Garfield High School in East LA last week to help with their Astronomy Night. Despite some clouds, we were still able to see Saturn and the Andromeda Galaxy, as well talk about the Moon and black holes with and enthusiastic bunch of students! Thanks for hosting!
November 18, 2025 at 7:53 PM
We partnered with Garfield High School in East LA last week to help with their Astronomy Night. Despite some clouds, we were still able to see Saturn and the Andromeda Galaxy, as well talk about the Moon and black holes with and enthusiastic bunch of students! Thanks for hosting!
Last night's event was postponed due to heavy rain, so we're now hosting our Astronomy on Tap on plasma physics tonight! Weather forecast looks rain free, but a tad cold (50F), so please dress accordingly. See you soon!
How can we build a star here on Earth? How does the fourth state of matter, plasma, behave? This week, we are hosting two Astronomy on Tap events all about plasma physics: Monday, November 17th and Thursday, November 20th at 7:30PM
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
November 18, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Last night's event was postponed due to heavy rain, so we're now hosting our Astronomy on Tap on plasma physics tonight! Weather forecast looks rain free, but a tad cold (50F), so please dress accordingly. See you soon!
Due to heavy rain, we are postponing tonight's Astro on Tap to tomorrow night (Monday to Tuesday). Same time and same place (and less rain)!
How can we build a star here on Earth? How does the fourth state of matter, plasma, behave? This week, we are hosting two Astronomy on Tap events all about plasma physics: Monday, November 17th and Thursday, November 20th at 7:30PM
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
November 17, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Due to heavy rain, we are postponing tonight's Astro on Tap to tomorrow night (Monday to Tuesday). Same time and same place (and less rain)!
How are scientists trying to build a star on the Earth? Two Astronomy on Tap events happening next week on Monday AND Thursday. Rain or shine! Events will be held under cover next to the bar, so we'll be protected from rain, but it may be cool, so bring appropriate clothing. Free and open to all.
How can we build a star here on Earth? How does the fourth state of matter, plasma, behave? This week, we are hosting two Astronomy on Tap events all about plasma physics: Monday, November 17th and Thursday, November 20th at 7:30PM
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
November 14, 2025 at 10:59 PM
How are scientists trying to build a star on the Earth? Two Astronomy on Tap events happening next week on Monday AND Thursday. Rain or shine! Events will be held under cover next to the bar, so we'll be protected from rain, but it may be cool, so bring appropriate clothing. Free and open to all.
A planet was recently detected orbiting the nearest star system to Earth, Alpha Centauri. Caltech Astro PhD student Aniket Sanghi, one of the lead scientists who made this discovery, recently gave a presentation at Astronomy on Tap, now on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMcG...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMcG...
November 14, 2025 at 10:46 PM
A planet was recently detected orbiting the nearest star system to Earth, Alpha Centauri. Caltech Astro PhD student Aniket Sanghi, one of the lead scientists who made this discovery, recently gave a presentation at Astronomy on Tap, now on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMcG...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMcG...
Join us this Sunday (rain or shine!) for the City of Astronomy Science Festival, featuring fun science demos and public-level science presentations on black holes, galaxies, and exoplanets! Free and open to the public, only stay for as long as you want. We hope to see you there!
Join us to learn why Pasadena is the "City of Astronomy" for a free afternoon of science demonstrations, solar telescopes, and public-level presentations on black holes, exoplanets, galaxies, space weather, and AI!
Sunday, November 16 Noon-4PM
www.cityofastronomy.org
Sunday, November 16 Noon-4PM
www.cityofastronomy.org
November 13, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Join us this Sunday (rain or shine!) for the City of Astronomy Science Festival, featuring fun science demos and public-level science presentations on black holes, galaxies, and exoplanets! Free and open to the public, only stay for as long as you want. We hope to see you there!
What will we discover with the world's most powerful radio telescope? Last week, Professor Gregg Hallinan taught us all about the DSA, a new telescope being built in remote Nevada and what it will mean for the future of astronomy! Now on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cnN...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cnN...
November 10, 2025 at 8:38 PM
What will we discover with the world's most powerful radio telescope? Last week, Professor Gregg Hallinan taught us all about the DSA, a new telescope being built in remote Nevada and what it will mean for the future of astronomy! Now on YouTube:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cnN...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cnN...
Join us to learn why Pasadena is the "City of Astronomy" for a free afternoon of science demonstrations, solar telescopes, and public-level presentations on black holes, exoplanets, galaxies, space weather, and AI!
Sunday, November 16 Noon-4PM
www.cityofastronomy.org
Sunday, November 16 Noon-4PM
www.cityofastronomy.org
November 7, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Join us to learn why Pasadena is the "City of Astronomy" for a free afternoon of science demonstrations, solar telescopes, and public-level presentations on black holes, exoplanets, galaxies, space weather, and AI!
Sunday, November 16 Noon-4PM
www.cityofastronomy.org
Sunday, November 16 Noon-4PM
www.cityofastronomy.org
How can we build a star here on Earth? How does the fourth state of matter, plasma, behave? This week, we are hosting two Astronomy on Tap events all about plasma physics: Monday, November 17th and Thursday, November 20th at 7:30PM
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
November 4, 2025 at 6:16 PM
How can we build a star here on Earth? How does the fourth state of matter, plasma, behave? This week, we are hosting two Astronomy on Tap events all about plasma physics: Monday, November 17th and Thursday, November 20th at 7:30PM
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
Join us this Friday to hear all about what the sky looks like in radio waves, and what we'll be able to reveal with the world's most powerful telescope!
What does the sky look like in radio light? What will we learn about stars, galaxies, and black holes using the DSA-2000, a revolutionary new radio telescope being built in the remote Nevada desert? Join us at our next Stargazing Lecture, Friday Nov 7!
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
November 2, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Join us this Friday to hear all about what the sky looks like in radio waves, and what we'll be able to reveal with the world's most powerful telescope!
Rockstars Jason Achilles and Forrest Mitchell came out to our Astronomy on Tap this week in costume as Han Solo and Chewbacca. Many thanks to these legends for performing at so many of our events throughout the year! Happy Halloween, everyone!
October 31, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Rockstars Jason Achilles and Forrest Mitchell came out to our Astronomy on Tap this week in costume as Han Solo and Chewbacca. Many thanks to these legends for performing at so many of our events throughout the year! Happy Halloween, everyone!
How are scientists working to find worlds possibly hosting life, like Pandora from the movie Avatar? Caltech scientist Katelyn Horstman explains these efforts and more at our recent Astronomy on Tap! Her presentation is now up on our YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-X-...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-X-...
October 31, 2025 at 7:51 PM
How are scientists working to find worlds possibly hosting life, like Pandora from the movie Avatar? Caltech scientist Katelyn Horstman explains these efforts and more at our recent Astronomy on Tap! Her presentation is now up on our YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-X-...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-X-...
Happening tonight @ 7:30PM! Halloween costumes welcome!
What do we know about planets outside of our solar system? Are there really planets orbiting the nearest star system to ours, Alpha Centauri? Join us Monday, October 27th at 7:30PM for to learn more at Astronomy on Tap!
outreach.astro.caltech.edu/aot
outreach.astro.caltech.edu/aot
October 27, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Happening tonight @ 7:30PM! Halloween costumes welcome!
Last weekend, we joined the California Dark Sky Festival near Death Valley NP. We helped operate telescopes, did science demonstrations, hosted an Astrophysicist Q&A Panel, and gave lectures on "Black Holes", "Space Exploration", and "The Formation of the Solar System".
October 23, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Last weekend, we joined the California Dark Sky Festival near Death Valley NP. We helped operate telescopes, did science demonstrations, hosted an Astrophysicist Q&A Panel, and gave lectures on "Black Holes", "Space Exploration", and "The Formation of the Solar System".
Images of Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) shot from Panamint Valley over the weekend at the California Dark Sky Festival by Caltech Astro PhD student Advait Mehla.
October 21, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Images of Comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) shot from Panamint Valley over the weekend at the California Dark Sky Festival by Caltech Astro PhD student Advait Mehla.
Join us next Monday, October 27, to hear all about the search for planets around other stars, including attempts to photograph these strange new worlds! Telescopes, live music, and astronomy-themed pub trivia to accompany these presentations. Event is free and open to all!
What do we know about planets outside of our solar system? Are there really planets orbiting the nearest star system to ours, Alpha Centauri? Join us Monday, October 27th at 7:30PM for to learn more at Astronomy on Tap!
outreach.astro.caltech.edu/aot
outreach.astro.caltech.edu/aot
October 20, 2025 at 10:05 PM
Join us next Monday, October 27, to hear all about the search for planets around other stars, including attempts to photograph these strange new worlds! Telescopes, live music, and astronomy-themed pub trivia to accompany these presentations. Event is free and open to all!
What does the sky look like in radio light? What will we learn about stars, galaxies, and black holes using the DSA-2000, a revolutionary new radio telescope being built in the remote Nevada desert? Join us at our next Stargazing Lecture, Friday Nov 7!
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
October 10, 2025 at 11:49 PM
What does the sky look like in radio light? What will we learn about stars, galaxies, and black holes using the DSA-2000, a revolutionary new radio telescope being built in the remote Nevada desert? Join us at our next Stargazing Lecture, Friday Nov 7!
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
Our very own Professor Kareem El-Badry was just awarded a prestigious MacArthur Fellowship (“genius grant”) for “expanding our knowledge of binary star systems, black holes, and other wonders of the universe.” Congratulations, Kareem!
www.macfound.org/fellows/clas...
www.macfound.org/fellows/clas...
Kareem El-Badry
Expanding our knowledge of binary star systems, black holes, and other wonders of the universe.
www.macfound.org
October 8, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Our very own Professor Kareem El-Badry was just awarded a prestigious MacArthur Fellowship (“genius grant”) for “expanding our knowledge of binary star systems, black holes, and other wonders of the universe.” Congratulations, Kareem!
www.macfound.org/fellows/clas...
www.macfound.org/fellows/clas...
Last Friday, we learned all about asteroids and what threats they pose to humanity at our Stargazing Lecture by Dr. Joe Masiero. His excellent presentation is now up on our YouTube channel here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=35_d...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=35_d...
October 6, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Last Friday, we learned all about asteroids and what threats they pose to humanity at our Stargazing Lecture by Dr. Joe Masiero. His excellent presentation is now up on our YouTube channel here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=35_d...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=35_d...
TONIGHT!
How frequently do comets and asteroids pass near the Earth? How do we detect these objects and ensure they do not pose a threat to us? Join us for a 30-minute lecture followed by guided stargazing with telescopes:
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
October 3, 2025 at 5:39 PM
TONIGHT!
Recently, we hosted two special Astronomy on Tap nights at the Great Basin Astronomy Festival in Eastern Nevada. Great Basin has the darkest skies of any national park in the contiguous USA, so the stargazing was incredible and the telescopes were out!
September 30, 2025 at 10:47 PM
Recently, we hosted two special Astronomy on Tap nights at the Great Basin Astronomy Festival in Eastern Nevada. Great Basin has the darkest skies of any national park in the contiguous USA, so the stargazing was incredible and the telescopes were out!
What do we know about planets outside of our solar system? Are there really planets orbiting the nearest star system to ours, Alpha Centauri? Join us Monday, October 27th at 7:30PM for to learn more at Astronomy on Tap!
outreach.astro.caltech.edu/aot
outreach.astro.caltech.edu/aot
September 29, 2025 at 10:01 PM
What do we know about planets outside of our solar system? Are there really planets orbiting the nearest star system to ours, Alpha Centauri? Join us Monday, October 27th at 7:30PM for to learn more at Astronomy on Tap!
outreach.astro.caltech.edu/aot
outreach.astro.caltech.edu/aot
Join us next week for a Stargazing Lecture on Near-Earth Asteroids and what insights and dangers they pose!
How frequently do comets and asteroids pass near the Earth? How do we detect these objects and ensure they do not pose a threat to us? Join us for a 30-minute lecture followed by guided stargazing with telescopes:
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
September 26, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Join us next week for a Stargazing Lecture on Near-Earth Asteroids and what insights and dangers they pose!