Galaxies: Island Universes

What is a galaxy?  When were they first discovered?  How big are galaxies, and how massive?  Are there different kinds?  How far away are they?  How many of them are there?  Perhaps most important:  how do we know any of this information?  Have we actually seen every galaxy there is?  And speaking of seeing:  can we see any of these galaxies by eye?  And are you ready for the planets, constellations, and special treats that November’s skies have to offer?  Join us by Zoom to learn more!

Please register below to receive the Zoom login. You may register up to the presentation start time or even during the meeting to join us.

https://msu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GEiUNmG_Q8KT-sOWYqPJtg

Adults and families with school-age and older children are invited to join us virtually  for a presentation focused on galaxies.  We will chronicle the oldest known observations of galaxies, and will describe how astronomers first discovered their true nature.  We will give examples of the many different types of galaxies, their structures, and the different kind of stars that can be found in different parts of them.  We will examine how galaxies change over time, even evolving from one type into another, and we will also describe the many ways in which galaxies got their names.  Along the way we will answer all the questions posed above, including tips on which galaxies you can see for yourself with binoculars, or even with the unaided eye! We will also include a brief technology update featuring our nearest neighbor galaxies.

And, as always, we will show you how to see the many great things that are in the sky this month and into December.  Do you know how to find the Great Square of Pegasus, and how to use it as a landmark to find nearly a dozen other constellations?  And that three of the four brightest galaxies visible from anywhere in the entire United States (including Florida and Hawaii), at anytime of the year, can be seen this month at one time?  Did you know that brilliant Jupiter and creamy Saturn still dominate the evening sky?  Are you aware that, this fall, these two planets create the best guideposts to find Capricorn and Aquarius for the next many years?  Have you been watching Mars making a “red triangle” with red stars Aldebaran and Betelgeuse?  Are you ready for the Leonid meteor shower?  We will help you see all of these things for yourself.

Image credit: Jeffrey Weiss, https://astronomy.com/magazine/news/2022/08/101-must-see-cosmic-objects-the-triangulum-galaxy

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