Astronomy & Space

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, see otherworldly images at the National Gallery of Art in its By the Light of the Silvery Moon exhibition. This exhibit presents a select survey of lunar photographs dating from the 19th century to the “space age” of the 1960s.

We’ve learned much about our cosmos and its evolution over the past 13.8 billion years, but still know very little about what happened in the first seconds after the Big Bang. Dan Hooper, senior scientist and head of the Theoretical Astrophysics Group at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, shares new information on our universe’s first moments.

In a fascinating evening, internationally known astrophysicist Mario Livio explores why mathematics is as powerful as it is in terms of explaining the cosmos.  He also tells fascinating stories and insights of renowned mathematicians who have shaped our ideas about mathematics and the philosophy of mathematics.

Key decisions made by three 20th-century presidents set the course for the American space program for more than 50 years. John M. Logsdon, founder of George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs’ Space Policy Institute, examines how their impact endures.