Carnegie Observatories in Pasadena to Open Doors to Public in October

The Carnegie Science Observatories will open its doors to the public on October 13, offering a rare glimpse into the world of astronomical research. From 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., visitors can participate in a range of activities designed to spark interest in space exploration.

The event will feature opportunities to meet professional astronomers and learn about their research into various cosmic phenomena. Attendees can bring questions about stars, planets, quasars, black holes, and galaxies to the “Ask an Astronomer” table.

The open house will showcase research themes including Solar System & Exoplanets, Instrument Development, Milky Way & Stellar Evolution, Distant Galaxies, Transients, and Cosmology. Visitors can experience the Observatories’ 3-D Visualization Lab, providing an immersive view of astronomical data.

One highlight of the open house will be the chance to view the sun through a solar telescope. For those interested in the technical aspects of astronomy, tours of the machine shop will demonstrate how instruments for telescopes are crafted.

The beautiful Hale Library will be open for tours, allowing visitors to see historic astronomical images captured on glass plates. Families can enjoy children’s astronomy activities, including the opportunity to create personal constellations.

The open house will also feature updates on the Giant Magellan Telescope, one of the next generation of powerful astronomical instruments. This project represents the cutting edge of telescope technology, similar to the Magellan telescopes at Carnegie Science’s Las Campanas Observatory.

Organizers are encouraging attendees to use public transit due to limited parking. The Observatories campus is a 10-minute walk from Lake Avenue. Metro A Line station, with free parking available at the Sierra Madre Villa station.

Those who register in advance for the event will receive a complimentary space-themed gift. The Observatories urges interested parties to “Register for a Free Gift!” The open house aims to make astronomy accessible to the public and inspire interest in cosmic exploration.

 To register for this event please visit:https://carnegiescience.edu/events/observatories-2024-open-house