MacAdam Observatory- Astro Enthusiasts

Kentucky SkyTalk presents: How Did Everything Begin?
Thursday, July 9th
7:00 PM
Chem-Physics 114, University of Kentucky
Join us for a talk by Dr. Maryam Dehghanian
Abstract: In this talk, we will explore how an ancient human question became a scientific investigation. Rather than treating the Big Bang as a single mysterious explosion, we will follow the evidence. Along the way, we will ask what the Big Bang model explains well, what it does not claim to explain, and why ideas like inflation, dark matter, and dark energy remain some of the biggest open questions in modern cosmology. No prior cosmology background is needed — just curiosity.
After the talk, step across the street to the MacAdam Observatory for telescope viewing (weather permitting)!
This event is free and open to the public.
Free parking is available just across the street after 6pm in the UK parking structure #2 at 301 Hilltop Ave. Lexington, KY
Happening every second Thursday of the month.
Visit https://observatory.as.uky.edu/skytalk for more information, and https://observatory.as.uky.edu/sky-talk-past-schedule for our full schedule.

Kentucky SkyTalk presents: Galaxies, Black Holes, and the Virtual Universe
Thursday, June 11th
7:00 PM
Chem-Physics 114, University of Kentucky
Join us for a talk by Dr. Julianne Goddard
Abstract: Modern astronomy allows scientists to recreate the evolution of the universe inside powerful supercomputers using numerical simulations. In this SkyTalk, we’ll explore how these virtual universes help astronomers study the formation and evolution of galaxies over billions of years, and how supermassive black holes can dramatically influence the galaxies that host them.
After the talk, step across the street to the MacAdam Observatory for telescope viewing (weather permitting)!
This event is free and open to the public.
Free parking is available just across the street after 6pm in the UK parking structure #2 at 301 Hilltop Ave. Lexington, KY
Happening every second Thursday of the month.
Visit https://observatory.as.uky.edu/skytalk for more information, and https://observatory.as.uky.edu/sky-talk-past-schedule for our full schedule.
Can't make it in person? Livestream the event from our youtube channel:
https://youtube.com/ See less

This month, the sky treats us to a celestial meetup as Venus and Jupiter appear side by side after sunset.

Look low toward the western horizon just after sunset to catch this stunning planetary pairing. Their closer approach will be on June 8th and 9th.

Included is a map of the sky to help with finding the event. Happy viewing!

Kentucky SkyTalk presents: From Contact to Cosmos: Discovering the Very Large Array
Thursday, May 14th
7:00 PM
Chem-Physics 153, University of Kentucky

Join us for a talk by Dr. Thomas Troland
Abstract: In the May Kentucky SkyTalk we explore the Very Large Array, one of the world’s premier radio astronomy observatories. We’ll uncover how astronomers use radio waves to study the hidden universe through stunning visuals and an engagingly narrated film featuring Jodie Foster, along with personal insights from our own Dr. Tom Troland’s research experience with the array.

After the talk, step across the street to the MacAdam Observatory for telescope viewing (weather permitting)!

This event is free and open to the public.

Free parking is available just across the street after 6pm in the UK parking structure #2 at 301 Hilltop Ave. Lexington, KY

Happening every second Thursday of the month.
Visit https://observatory.as.uky.edu/skytalk for more information, and https://observatory.as.uky.edu/sky-talk-past-schedule for our full schedule.

Can't make it in person? Livestream the event from our youtube channel:
https://youtube.com/

Kentucky SkyTalk presents:
Are we alone? Interstellar Intelligence and Interstellar Travel

Thursday, April 9th
7:00 PM
Chem-Physics 114, University of Kentucky

Join us for a talk by Dr. Yuanyuan Su

Abstract: We live on a small planet orbiting an ordinary star, in a galaxy of hundreds of billions of stars, among hundreds of billions of galaxies. Given these vast numbers, it is natural to ask whether life — and perhaps intelligent life — exists elsewhere. In this talk, I will discuss our efforts to search for extraterrestrial intelligent life and the prospects for interstellar travel.

After the talk, step across the street to the MacAdam Observatory for telescope viewing (weather permitting)!

This event is free and open to the public.

Free parking is available just across the street after 6pm in the UK parking structure #2 at 301 Hilltop Ave. Lexington, KY

Happening every second Thursday of the month.

Visit https://observatory.as.uky.edu/skytalk for more information, and https://observatory.as.uky.edu/sky-talk-past-schedule for our full schedule.

Can't make it in person? Livestream the event from our youtube channel:
https://youtube.com/

Kentucky SkyTalk presents:
Exploring the Most Distant Corners of the Universe with the James Webb Space Telescope

Thursday, March 12th
7:00 PM
Chem-Physics 114, University of Kentucky

Join us for a talk by Dr. Ryan Sanders

Abstract: The James Webb Space Telescope, the most powerful space telescope built, was launched three years ago. This talk will focus on what we have learned about the farthest reaches of the cosmos, charting the early history of the universe and searching for the first generation of galaxies. Why is the telescope so well suited to search for distant galaxies? How do we tell how far away a galaxy is from us? What is the most distant galaxy discovered to date? How can distant galaxies act as a "time machine" into the history of the universe? These questions and others will be answered as we take a trip from our home in the Milky Way galaxy to the furthest reaches of space with the telescope.

After the talk, step across the street to the MacAdam Observatory for telescope viewing (weather permitting)!

This event is free and open to the public.

Free parking is available just across the street after 6pm in the UK parking structure #2 at 301 Hilltop Ave. Lexington, KY

Happening every second Thursday of the month.

Visit https://observatory.as.uky.edu/skytalk for more information, and https://observatory.as.uky.edu/sky-talk-past-schedule for our full schedule.

Can't make it in person? Livestream the event from our youtube channel:
https://youtube.com/

🌕🌧️ Eclipse Update from MacAdam Student Observatory 🌧️🌕

We’re sad to report that tomorrow morning’s full lunar eclipse viewing is officially eclipsed by clouds. With possible rain and heavy cloud cover in the forecast, we won’t be able to see the Moon — and we don’t want you staring at a gray sky on our behalf.

As much as we’d love to control the weather, that’s outside even our observational capabilities! ☁️

Thank you for your enthusiasm — we’ll keep looking up and hope to see you at our next clear-sky event.

Happening this Thursday!

Kentucky SkyTalk presents:
Blackholes or Dinosaurs? How Do We Study What We Cannot See?
Thursday, February 12th
7:00 PM
Chem-Physics 287, University of Kentucky
Join us for a talk by Dr. Maryam Dehghanian

How do we know something existed if we can’t see it?
Dinosaurs vanished millions of years ago, and black holes are invisible by nature. Yet scientists are remarkably confident about both. In this talk, we explore how science uncovers the unseen by following clues left behind in stone, light and gravity.

After the talk, step across the street to the MacAdam Observatory for telescope viewing (weather permitting)!
This event is free and open to the public. Free parking is available just across the street after 6pm in the UK parking structure #2 at 301 Hilltop Ave. Lexington, KY
Happening every second Thursday of the month.
Visit https://observatory.as.uky.edu/skytalk for more information, and https://observatory.as.uky.edu/sky-talk-past-schedule for our full schedule.
Can't make it in person? Livestream the event from our youtube channel:
https://youtube.com/

The UK department of Physics and Astronomy invites you to join us at the MacAdam Student Observatory to view the upcoming total lunar eclipse through our 20" telescope. Weather permitting we will be there from 5am when the moon starts to enter Earth's shadow until totality at 7am. Drop by or stay for the whole event!

Kentucky SkyTalk presents:
Blackholes or Dinosaurs? How Do We Study What We Cannot See?
Thursday, February 12th
7:00 PM
Chem-Physics 287, University of Kentucky
Join us for a talk by Dr. Maryam Dehghanian

How do we know something existed if we can’t see it?
Dinosaurs vanished millions of years ago, and black holes are invisible by nature. Yet scientists are remarkably confident about both. In this talk, we explore how science uncovers the unseen by following clues left behind in stone, light and gravity.

After the talk, step across the street to the MacAdam Observatory for telescope viewing (weather permitting)!
This event is free and open to the public. Free parking is available just across the street after 6pm in the UK parking structure #2 at 301 Hilltop Ave. Lexington, KY
Happening every second Thursday of the month.
Visit https://observatory.as.uky.edu/skytalk for more information, and https://observatory.as.uky.edu/sky-talk-past-schedule for our full schedule.
Can't make it in person? Livestream the event from our youtube channel:
https://youtube.com/