Saturday Science Lecture: Michael F. A’Hearn, Ph.D.

March 22, 2014, 7:30 p.m.

Michael F. A’Hearn, Ph.D. Credit: Michael F. A’Hearn, Ph.D.

Professor Emeritus and Research Professor of Astronomy, University of Maryland

Exploring Comets

Why do we study comets? Why should you care about them? The study of comets has been documented for more than two millennia but our modern understanding dates only back to 1950. In the last three decades we have begun true exploration of comets, with many missions sent to study them. This talk will consider the rationale for exploring comets, and assess where we stand in answering the key questions that drive cometary scientists. Comets can provide unique information on the early stages of the solar system, since they preserve a chemical record of the conditions that existed well before humans came on the scene.

Running Time: 60 minutes (will include Q & A)

For more information, see MARCH 2014 FRIENDS OF THE PLANETARIUM PROGRAMMING

Doors open: 7 p.m. Show begins: 7:30 p.m.

Our capacity is 58 seats. We set aside 20 seats to accommodate those who arrive without a reservation, so if the show is sold out you can still try to attend by arriving close to 7 p.m. However, although we will do whatever we can to seat all comers, there is no guarantee of admission without a reservation.