Stargazing Lecture
The Milky Way is on a crash course for our nearest neighboring galaxy, Andromeda. Galaxy collisions like this one have been happening throughout cosmic history and can jumpstart major episodes of new star formation and black hole growth. I'll discuss some lessons we've learned from looking at other galaxy mergers and will answer a few common questions, like "will our galaxy ever be the same?" and "should we be worried?" (Spoiler alert: No and no.)
About the Series
Stargazing Lectures are free lectures at a public level followed by guided stargazing with telescopes (weather permitting). All events are held at the Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics at Caltech. No reservations are needed. Lectures are 30 minutes; stargazing lasts 90 minutes. Stay only as long as you want.
Stargazing is only possible with clear skies, but the lecture, slideshow, and Q&A takes place regardless of weather.
For directions, weather updates, and more information, please visit: http://outreach.astro.caltech.edu.