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Kentucky Sky Talk: The First Stars in the Universe

Date:
-
Location:
CP155
Speaker(s) / Presenter(s):
Dr. Ron Wilhelm (UK)

Everywhere we look in space we see stars and galaxies.  We know, however, that this was not always the case.  The universe began in a very dense state of high temperature.  Sometime after the universe cooled to the point that atoms could form, the very first stars sprung into existence.  These first stars, which were made of only hydrogen and helium, remain mysterious because no examples of such stars have yet been found.  I will discuss current investigations that help to place some constraints the original star properties and how their existence helped to bring about the universe we see today.

 

The University of Kentucky Department of Physics and Astronomy is pleased to welcome the public to our astronomical observatory. Part of our program of public outreach is a presentation on an interesting topic in astronomy followed by a visit to the observatory. The Kentucky SkyTalk is held on the second Thursday of every month.  A 45 minute program on astronomy will begin at 8:00 PM in Room 155 of the Chemistry-Physics Building. After the presentation, you are invited to view the sky through our 20-inch telescope, weather permitting.

Free parking is available on the top floor of parking structure #2, next to the observatory. With the exception of paid parking, without a valid parking permit, leaving your vehicle somewhere other than next to the observatory will result in a parking citation. Please note that Rose Street is closed south of the Chem-Physics building.

All are welcome and there is no charge. Tell your neighbors. Bring your kids.

A flyer, an all-sky chart for March, and a campus map in pdf format available here: 

  https://pa.as.uky.edu/observatory