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
Here are some of the 2025 highlights of Caltech Astro's efforts to educate and engage with the broader society.
All told, we hosted 66 events with 23k live attendees in 2025, with many recorded to our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@CaltechAstro
We hope to see you in 2026!
All told, we hosted 66 events with 23k live attendees in 2025, with many recorded to our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@CaltechAstro
We hope to see you in 2026!
December 31, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Here are some of the 2025 highlights of Caltech Astro's efforts to educate and engage with the broader society.
All told, we hosted 66 events with 23k live attendees in 2025, with many recorded to our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@CaltechAstro
We hope to see you in 2026!
All told, we hosted 66 events with 23k live attendees in 2025, with many recorded to our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@CaltechAstro
We hope to see you in 2026!
How did the Solar System form and come to resemble what we see today? How did the Earth acquire its water? Professor Katherine de Kleer gave a Stargazing Lecture earlier this month on these topics. Check out her presentation on YouTube now:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6au...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6au...
December 29, 2025 at 10:16 PM
How did the Solar System form and come to resemble what we see today? How did the Earth acquire its water? Professor Katherine de Kleer gave a Stargazing Lecture earlier this month on these topics. Check out her presentation on YouTube now:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6au...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6au...
We recently discovered a supermassive black hole in the closest neighboring galaxy to ours--what is it like and how does it affect us? What does the sky look like in radio waves and what can we learn from it? Join us for Astronomy on Tap, Monday Jan 12!
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
December 22, 2025 at 10:34 PM
We recently discovered a supermassive black hole in the closest neighboring galaxy to ours--what is it like and how does it affect us? What does the sky look like in radio waves and what can we learn from it? Join us for Astronomy on Tap, Monday Jan 12!
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
Join us tonight to learn about the formation and history of our solar system. As part of the talk, there will be a bunch of space rocks (meteorites) to examine and discuss. The weather looks perfect for guided stargazing after the presentation with our telescopes. See you then!
What do we know about our early solar system and how the planets formed? What can asteroids and meteorites reveal about our cosmic origins? Join us for our next Stargazing Lecture on Friday, December 5 @ 8PM.
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
December 5, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Join us tonight to learn about the formation and history of our solar system. As part of the talk, there will be a bunch of space rocks (meteorites) to examine and discuss. The weather looks perfect for guided stargazing after the presentation with our telescopes. See you then!
Last month, we operated telescopes at the Watson Lecture, providing views of Saturn as attendees waited for the presentation by NASA JPL scientist Dr. Ashwin Vasavada on the habitability of Mars.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuuL...
Photo Credits: Lance Hayashida & Cameron Hummels
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuuL...
Photo Credits: Lance Hayashida & Cameron Hummels
December 4, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Last month, we operated telescopes at the Watson Lecture, providing views of Saturn as attendees waited for the presentation by NASA JPL scientist Dr. Ashwin Vasavada on the habitability of Mars.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuuL...
Photo Credits: Lance Hayashida & Cameron Hummels
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuuL...
Photo Credits: Lance Hayashida & Cameron Hummels
It is with great sadness that we report the death of friend and colleague, Dr. Kenny Lau. Kenny was a postdoctoral scholar at Caltech, working in the field of observational cosmology to study the conditions in the early universe. Ad astra, Kenny.
www.caltech.edu/about/news/c...
www.caltech.edu/about/news/c...
Caltech Mourns the Passing of Postdoctoral Scholar Kenny Lau (1989–2025)
Kenny Lau, a postdoctoral scholar research associate and experimental cosmologist in the Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy (PMA), passed away on November 22, 2025. He was 36 years old.
www.caltech.edu
December 4, 2025 at 1:18 AM
It is with great sadness that we report the death of friend and colleague, Dr. Kenny Lau. Kenny was a postdoctoral scholar at Caltech, working in the field of observational cosmology to study the conditions in the early universe. Ad astra, Kenny.
www.caltech.edu/about/news/c...
www.caltech.edu/about/news/c...
How did our solar system form? Join us this Friday for our final Stargazing Lecture of the year, featuring Professor Katherine de Kleer discussing her work with JWST to better understand the history of the solar system!
What do we know about our early solar system and how the planets formed? What can asteroids and meteorites reveal about our cosmic origins? Join us for our next Stargazing Lecture on Friday, December 5 @ 8PM.
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
December 1, 2025 at 6:29 PM
How did our solar system form? Join us this Friday for our final Stargazing Lecture of the year, featuring Professor Katherine de Kleer discussing her work with JWST to better understand the history of the solar system!
Want to learn about the universe? We have a YouTube channel with 200 public-level presentations on space-related topics. Topics include: black holes, galaxies, exoplanets, supernova, the history of the universe, and more. Check it out here:
www.youtube.com/@CaltechAstro
www.youtube.com/@CaltechAstro
November 27, 2025 at 12:41 AM
Want to learn about the universe? We have a YouTube channel with 200 public-level presentations on space-related topics. Topics include: black holes, galaxies, exoplanets, supernova, the history of the universe, and more. Check it out here:
www.youtube.com/@CaltechAstro
www.youtube.com/@CaltechAstro
We recently hosted Eva Kostadinova at Astronomy on Tap to discuss plasma, the main form of visible matter throughout our universe. Dr. Kostadinova is a professor at Auburn specializing in plasma physics, and her talk is now up on our YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_Ow...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_Ow...
November 25, 2025 at 6:09 PM
We recently hosted Eva Kostadinova at Astronomy on Tap to discuss plasma, the main form of visible matter throughout our universe. Dr. Kostadinova is a professor at Auburn specializing in plasma physics, and her talk is now up on our YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_Ow...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_Ow...
What do we know about our early solar system and how the planets formed? What can asteroids and meteorites reveal about our cosmic origins? Join us for our next Stargazing Lecture on Friday, December 5 @ 8PM.
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
November 24, 2025 at 7:05 PM
What do we know about our early solar system and how the planets formed? What can asteroids and meteorites reveal about our cosmic origins? Join us for our next Stargazing Lecture on Friday, December 5 @ 8PM.
outreach.astro.caltech.edu
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!