Upcoming Events
Inside Science (Our Universe): Stellar Astronomy The Fall Colors of Stars
Sep 15, 2020, 8:00 - 9:30 PM
The George Mason University Observatory is partnering with the Smithsonian Associates for Space Tuesdays with George Mason University.
Description: In December 2019, astronomers noticed the brightest star in the constellation of Orion, the red supergiant Betelgeuse, started to dim more than it has in the past century to about one-third of its normal brightness. This unprecedented dimming was distinguishable with the unaided eye, but by March 2020, Betelgeuse had begun recover and get brighter again. What happened? Why did Betelgeuse dim? Join Peter Plavchan and Michael Summers, professors of astronomy and physics at George Mason University to learn about stellar evolution and the life and death of red giants, yellow suns, and brown dwarfs.
With remote control of the GMU Observatory, Plavchan and Summers bring the skies into your living room. Weather permitting, enjoy a remote telescope viewing session of celestial objects after the program.