“Comets and Interstellar Visitors: Exploring The Dynamic Sky”
(A Free, Virtual Lecture)
From icy visitors from the outer solar system to rare interstellar interlopers like 3I/ATLAS, comets are among the most dynamic and mysterious objects we can observe. In this talk, Dr. Ariel Graykowski will share how citizen astronomers around the world are helping track and characterize these evolving worlds using the UNISTELLAR network of smart telescopes. She’ll discuss what makes 3I/ATLAS unique among interstellar objects, what its discovery can teach us about our cosmic neighborhood, and how the collaboration between professionals and citizen scientists is expanding the frontiers of small-body research.
Dr. Ariel Graykowski is a research scientist at the SETI Institute, where she leads the Unistellar Citizen Science Comet Program. She studies the evolving activity of comets, asteroids, and interstellar visitors using a global network of telescopes operated by citizen astronomers, working to bridge professional and public astronomy in the exploration of our solar system and beyond. Dr. Graykowski received her PhD in geophysics and space physics from UCLA.
Hamptons Observatory extends its deepest thanks to Dr. Liu for generously taking the time to share his expertise and to co-host Suffolk County Community College for their kind collaboration.
While this lecture is free, donations to support our programs are needed and deeply appreciated regardless of the amount. To make a tax-deductible donation to support our mission, please go to: www.hamptonsobservatory.org/support-us
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Hamptons Observatory (HO), a 501(c)(3) NYS nonprofit that relies on public support has served the South Fork since 2005. Hamptons Observatory offers all of its programs free-of-charge so that everyone can enjoy the wonders of their Universe. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to help support our work. Thanks!