Science at Sunset: The Return of Black Holes

Science at Sunset graphic

Saturday, March 16
1601 E University Blvd.
5:30PM to 10:00PM

Join us for our next Science at Sunset series and explore the physics that power the most extreme gamma-ray bursts and supermassive black holes. Science exhibit admission, activities, and seats to the lecture from Dr. Kate Alexander and the return of the popular "Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity" planetarium show are included with your tickets.

Learn more in the Schedule of Events section below.

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Schedule of Events

Stargazing at Flandrau

5:30 to 10:00PM

Science Exhibits, Activities, and Stargazing

Explore science exhibits that reveal the marvels of the universe from the edges of our solar system to the depths of Earth's oceans. Step outside to peer at points of interest in the night sky through telescopes with our staff and volunteers starting at 7:00PM (weather permitting). Special activities will be available on the exhibit floor until 9:30PM.

Included with your ticket

Kate Alexander University of Arizona

6:30PM

Lecture: Dr. Kate Alexander, Assistant Astronomer and Professor - Steward Observatory

Dr. Kate Alexander works in time-domain astronomy and multi-messenger astrophysics. She uses a variety of telescopes to study the physics powering the most extreme astrophysical transients, from gamma-ray bursts to the tidal disruptions of stars by supermassive black holes.

Included with your ticket

The other side of infinity black holes poster

8:00PM

Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity

This full-dome show returns to Flandrau's Eos Foundation Planetarium Theater! Experience striking, immersive animations of the formation of the early universe, star birth and death, the collision of giant galaxies, and a simulated flight to a super-massive black hole lurking at the center of our own Milky Way Galaxy. Narrated by Liam Neeson.

Included with your ticket

A couple holds hands in Flandrau planetarium

9PM, 9:15PM, 9:30PM

Live Astronomy Star Talks in the Planetarium

Every 15 minutes starting at 9PM, the planetarium will be open and running a live star talk astronomy program. Take a seat at your convenience for one of these shows and enjoy extra time to explore the exhibits and activities around Flandrau. The last show starts at 9:30PM.

Included with your ticket

Dr. Alexander lecture synopsis: "The Messy Eating Habits of Snacking Black Holes" - Astronomers now know that all galaxies host giant black holes in their centers, but these black holes can be challenging to study. Learn how Kate probes the mysteries of these black holes by observing what happens when they tear apart and consume stars.

Thank you to Kate Alexander, her proposal team, NSF (under grant AST-2307668) and Steward Observatory for making this and future presentations of "Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity" possible.


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