Did you know that Jupiter’s magnetic field is the largest thing in our solar system? How do we know that? Have you heard that the most common form of matter on Jupiter has never really been seen on Earth? Why do scientists think that? Are you aware that Jupiter emits more energy than it receives? Or that there is a spacecraft currently orbiting Jupiter right now, examining…

Throughout all of science , surely no single piece of equipment is more famous than the Hubble Space Telescope.  It has produced more beautiful and amazing images than any other telescope.  But do you know what makes the HST so special?  Why do we need a telescope in space anyway?  What can Hubble do better than other telescopes, and why?  Most importantly,…

Join on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 for our Family Astronomy night focusing on Uranus. Did you know that Uranus was the first planet to be discovered by science?  And that it is still the only planet to have been discovered by accident?  Have you heard that Uranus is actually visible to the unaided eye?  Why wasn’t it known to ancient astronomers?  Are…

Are you ready for the Great Total Solar Eclipse of 2024?  I hope so, because there won’t be another total solar eclipse visible in the contiguous United States until 2044.  That’s 20 years!  TOTALITY is amazing—you don’t want to miss this chance.  When will it happen, and where is the best place to see it?  What will we be able to see…

Did you know that the night sky is alive with all kinds of light that we can’t see?  Radio waves, ultraviolet light, gamma rays, infrared light, microwaves, and x-rays are all used by astronomers.  But wait—doesn’t the greenhouse effect absorb infrared?  And doesn’t the ozone layer block ultraviolet?  How can these reach us?  And don’t x-rays pass through everything?  How do we…

2024 Turner J. Alfrey Visiting Professorship Lecture Series Date: Tuesday, May 7, 2024 Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Location: MSU St. Andrews lecture theater located at 1910 West St. Andrews, Midland, MI 48640 Guest Lecturer: Dr. Tobin J. Marks Tobin Marks, Ph.D., of Northwestern University is the 2024 Turner J. Alfrey Visiting Professor.   Research Area Marks’ research focuses on sustainable…