Clair Patterson was an American geochemist who was tasked with the project of using radioactive dating to measure the age of the Earth. The process involved comparing the concentrations of uranium and lead in rock samples, but Patterson quickly discovered that lead severely contaminated his laboratory. This realization began a lifelong crusade to combat environmental lead poisoning by taking on the oil industry and their use of leaded gasoline. This class will overview the work of this often unsung hero.

Class level: Introductory - This class is recommended for guests of any background.

Tickets:

Non-members - $25/class

Members - $20/class

Student (with valid ID) - $10/class

Image credit: California Institute of Technology

When massive stars die, they do so in spectacular fashion—erupting as supernovae that can briefly outshine an entire galaxy. These cosmic explosions come in several distinct types, each revealing something different about how stars live and end. In this class, we’ll explore what triggers supernovae, how these blasts forge and distribute the heavy elements that shape planets and life, and how astronomers use them as cosmic mile markers to map the vast distances between galaxies.

Class level: Introductory - This class is recommended for guests of any background. Classes will be held in Mitchel (smaller) building.

Tickets: Non-members - $25/class, Members - $20/class, Student (with valid ID) - $10/class

Earth is constantly bombarded by dust and debris from space, most of which burns up harmlessly in our atmosphere. But history—and the solar system itself—reminds us that large impacts do occur, and that it’s only a matter of time before our planet encounters another sizable asteroid or comet. In this class, we’ll explore how often significant impacts happen, what we’ve learned from past events, and the realistic strategies scientists are developing to detect, deflect, or mitigate a threatening object.

Class level: Introductory - This class is recommended for guests of any background. Classes will be held in Mitchel (smaller) building.

Tickets: Non-members - $25/class, Members - $20/class, Student (with valid ID) - $10/class

It’s been just over a decade since scientists made the first confirmed detection of a gravitational wave—subtle ripples in the fabric of space-time predicted by Einstein. These waves have opened an entirely new window onto the Universe, revealing phenomena that were once invisible to traditional astronomy. In this class, we’ll explore how gravitational waves are detected, what they’ve taught us about their extraordinary sources, and how this emerging field is reshaping the future of astrophysics.

Class level: Introductory - This class is recommended for guests of any background. Classes will be held in Mitchel (smaller) building.

Tickets: Non-members - $25/class, Members - $20/class, Student (with valid ID) - $10/class