Stars that pulsate and what they teach us about the universe
Our Sun is amazingly stable in its energy output and has been for several billion years. There are other stars which do not remain stable and actually pulsate with a well-defined period. I will discuss two types of pulsating stars, the Cepheid and RR Lyrae variables. Brighter variables can be easily observed with small telescopes making them interesting objects for professional and amateur observers. Understanding of the pulsations allows astronomers to determine aspects of how stars evolve. As they beckon in the night, they allow accurate distance determinations of galaxies that are very far away.
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 220 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.
All are welcome and there is no charge. Tell your neighbors. Bring your kids.
A flyer in pdf format and a link to a campus map are available here: https://pa.as.uky.edu/observatory
UK has been a large part of my life, working here since 1978. I can truly say that it is a great place to work. I was most excited to join Arts and Sciences in the fall of 2013 and I absolutely love being part of this learning environment.