Meet the Astronomer Talk + Telescope Viewing

Tonight’s topic: Galactic Archaeology: The Indiana Jones of Astronomy Galactic Archaeology studies the stars in our Galaxy as a fossil record. Using these artifacts, we can discern how our home Galaxy, the Milky Way, formed and evolved from its beginning. Come with Jessica as she digs up the stars of the Milky Way using space- and ground-based telescope data to tell the complex history of our home.

Our Speaker: Jessica Schonhut-Stasik, MSc. Jessica is a doctoral candidate in Astronomy at Vanderbilt University and studies Galactic Archaeology. She also serves as the project manager for the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, housed in the School of Engineering at Vanderbilt University. Jessica is an autistic self-advocate herself. She works remotely from the Big Island of Hawai’i, living with her husband, three dogs, and two cats.

IF THE EVENT SAYS SOLD OUT, PLEASE SIGN UP FOR THE WAITING LIST. WE WILL MOVE THE EVENT TO THE BACK PATIO WITH MORE SEATING IF WEATHER ALLOWS. THOSE SEATS WILL BE RELEASED CLOSE TO THE EVENT DATE. WATCH YOUR EMAIL!

This talk includes Q&A. Telescope viewings follow when weather permits. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Attendance notes:

All ages are welcome, but this talk is recommended for ages 12 and up.

• You do not need to bring a printed ticket; there will be a guest list at the gate.
• The exhibits on the main floor are handicapped accessible, but the Seyfert telescope on the second floor is only accessible by stairs. There are twenty steps, split by a large landing, leading to the dome. Climbing additional portable steps may be necessary to see through the eyepiece.
• Notify the gate attendant if you have special parking needs.
• Closed-toe footwear is suggested.
• If your plans change and you cannot attend, you may invite someone you know to use your tickets/names for entry.
• Because this is Vanderbilt University property, firearms and smoking are not allowed.
• Please let us know when you get your tickets if someone in your group cannot climb the stairs, so we may attempt to make some accommodation with another telescope if skies are clear enough for viewing.

Address: 1000 Oman Drive, Brentwood TN 37027 (NOT on the main Vanderbilt campus)

Cost:  $6.27 per person ($5.00 admission plus $1.27 online handling fee.) Each person must have their own reservation. Infants do not require tickets.

NO TICKETS SOLD AT DOOR. Tickets may be purchased up to the day of the event, but please be aware this event often sells out well ahead.

NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES. THIS IS A CLEAR OR CLOUDY EVENT.

Image Credits: NASA, ESA, CSA, and STScI