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A Grand Tour of the Solar System

Presented in partnership with George Mason University Observatory

This series treks to the sun and the four inner terrestial planets before traveling outward to the asteroid belt, four Jovian planets, and beyond. At each session a professional astronomer presents the latest research on a solar system body.

Following the talk and a question-and-answer period, Peter Plavchan, a professor of physics and astronomy at George Mason University, brings that night's sky right into participants' living rooms via remote control of the university observatory, weather permitting.

Upcoming Programs:


Lecture/Seminar

The Sun: Front and Center
A Grand Tour of the Solar System

Tuesday, April 18, 2023 - 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. ET

The Sun, the 4.5-billion-year-old star at the center of the solar system, is the glue that holds it together, and its activity provides a protective bubble that shields the planets from damaging galactic radiation. Astrophysicist and cosmologist Hakeem Oluseyi shines a light on this special star.


Lecture/Seminar

Mercury: Small but Mighty Interesting
A Grand Tour of the Solar System

Tuesday, May 9, 2023 - 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. ET

Mercury, the innermost planet in the solar system, remained relatively unexplored until NASA’s MESSENGER probe orbited and studied it from 2011 to 2015. Physicist Ronald J. Vervack Jr., who worked on the MESSENGER mission, highlights how Mercury provides insight into the formation, evolution, and current state of the solar system.


Lecture/Seminar

Venus, Shrouded in Mystery
A Grand Tour of the Solar System

Tuesday, May 30, 2023 - 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. ET

In this solar system, Venus is the planet most like Earth in size and density, yet it has a toxic atmosphere and is the hottest planet, contrasting with habitable Earth. Astrophysicist Stephen Kane reveals clues that point to a possible habitable past of Venus and discusses how its environment might have become hostile to life.