Observatory Events
Save-the-date for these events
The Thomas More University Observatory sponsors lectures followed night sky viewings (weather permitting) throughout the academic year as community outreach to educate those who are interested in topics related to current day astronomy. Unless otherwise stated, these lectures and observations are free and open to the public, and do not require a reservation.
Spring 2025 Lectures
The Biggest Unanswered Questions in Astronomy
Special Guest Speaker: Wes Ryle, Ph.D., Cincinnati Observatory astronomer
Feb. 8, 2025 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Steigerwald Hall/Thomas More Observatory
We are awash in information and facts we’ve learned about the cosmos, but you’d likely be surprised at how much we don’t know. Former Thomas More Professor and current Cincinnati Observatory Astronomer Wes Ryle, Ph.D., returns to address some of the biggest remaining questions in astronomy, including dark matter, dark energy, and whether there is more out there than our universe. Free. No RSVP needed.
Contact: Austin Hinkel | [email protected]
Additional spring dates
Understanding the Immensity of the Cosmos with Austin Hinkel, Ph.D.
March 8, 2025 | 7 p.m. | Steigerwald Hall/Thomas More Observatory
Astronomers often discuss distances in lightyears, the distance light travels in a year. In fact, one lightyear is a whopping six trillion miles or so, or about ten-thousand-trillion yards. That’s one followed by 16 zeroes! What do such large numbers even mean and how can we get a more intuitive feel for the immensity of the universe? In this talk, we will put cosmic scales into more “down-to-Earth” terms. Free. No RSVP needed.
Earth in Cosmic Context with Austin Hinkel, Ph.D.
April 12, 2025 | 7:30 p.m. | Steigerwald Hall/Thomas More Observatory
Astronauts and astronomers often develop a profound sense of appreciation for our home planet as a ‘Pale Blue Dot’ in the vastness of space. Come learn about the science and history behind this cosmic perspective of our only home.
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For additional information about the Thomas More Observatory contact Director Austin Hinkel, Ph.D.