Stellar Astronomy: The Fall Colors of Stars

STREAMING PROGRAM INFORMATION

• This program is part of our Smithsonian Associates Streaming series.
• Platform: Zoom
• Online registration is required.
• For multiple registrations, you will be asked to supply individual names and email addresses.

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 to 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, and Dr. Natalie Hinkel, planetary astrophysicist at the Southwest Research Institute, 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.

SPACE TUESDAYS PROGRAMS

If you are interested in additional Space Tuesdays with George Mason University Observatory programs, view the upcoming schedule:

• July 14: Searching for Life in the Universe
• Aug. 18: Roving for Signs of  Life on Mars

Patron Information

• Once registered, patrons should receive an automatic email confirmation from CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org.
• Separate Zoom link information will be emailed closer to the date of the program. If you do not receive your Zoom link information 24 hours prior to the start of the program, please email Customer Service for assistance.
• View Common FAQs about our Streaming Programs on Zoom.