Astronomy on Tap: Dark Matter and Jupiter’s Moons at Dog Haus

Caltech’s popular Astronomy on Tap series returns to Old Town Pasadena on Monday, March 9, with a free public event at the Dog Haus Biergarten that promises to make the mysteries of the cosmos accessible — and entertaining — for everyone. The evening begins at 7:30 p.m. on the outdoor patio at 93 E. Green Street, and features two short talks: one on dark matter and one on Jupiter’s moons.

Astronomy on Tap is a national phenomenon that originated in New York City and has since spread to dozens of cities across the United States and around the world. The concept is simple but effective: take world-class scientists out of the lecture hall and put them in a bar, give them 20 minutes to explain their research to a general audience, and see what happens. What happens, reliably, is that people who never thought of themselves as astronomy enthusiasts find themselves genuinely fascinated.

The Pasadena edition of Astronomy on Tap is hosted by Caltech astronomers and draws on the extraordinary concentration of scientific talent that makes the San Gabriel Valley one of the most important centers of astronomical research in the world. Caltech is home to some of the leading researchers in fields ranging from gravitational wave detection to the search for exoplanets, and the Astronomy on Tap series gives the public direct access to that expertise in a relaxed, conversational setting.

Monday’s program will feature two talks of approximately 20 minutes each. The first will explore the nature of dark matter — the mysterious substance that makes up approximately 27 percent of the universe’s total mass and energy, yet has never been directly detected. The second will focus on Jupiter’s moons, a subject that has taken on new urgency in recent years as scientists have identified several of them — particularly Europa and Ganymede — as potentially habitable environments.

Following the talks, the speakers will take questions from the audience in a lively Q&A session. The Dog Haus Biergarten, with its outdoor patio and extensive menu of craft beers and food, provides an ideal setting for the kind of informal, wide-ranging conversation that the Astronomy on Tap format encourages.

The event is free to attend, though attendees are expected to purchase food and drinks from the venue. The Dog Haus Biergarten is located at 93 E. Green Street in Old Town Pasadena, with a parking structure one block away.

Astronomy on Tap: Dark Matter & Jupiter’s Moons, Monday, March 9, at 7:30 p.m. Free admission (food and drink purchases welcome). Where: Dog Haus Biergarten (outdoor patio), 93 E. Green St., Old Town Pasadena. For more, visit astro.caltech.edu/outreach.