Science Under the Stars: Inaugural Event!

Event Date:
2026-01-27T19:00:00
2026-01-27T21:00:00
Event Location:
HEBB building Room 114 + HEBB rooftop (2045 East Mall or https://maps.ubc.ca/?code=HEBB)
URL:
RSVP for tickets!
Related Upcoming Events:
Public Events
Intended Audience:
Public
Local Contact:

This event is hosted by the UBC Astronomy Club (academic@ubcastronom) and the Department of Physics and Astronomy (outreach@phas.ubc.ca).

All ages welcome!

Event Information:

Welcome to our NEW Science Under the Stars event - a family-friendly introduction to astronomy, happening on the last Tuesday of every month. Join us for an evening of science curiosity!

For our inaugural evening this January 27th, 2026, we will be showcasing guest speakers Dr. Anan Lu and Alyssa Cassity, creating hands-on space-themed arts and crafts, and (weather permitting) enjoying the views from HEBB building rooftop with some telescope observing.

Light refreshments will be provided


RSVP for tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/science-under-the-stars-tickets-1972132278734?aff=oddtdtcreator   

 

Schedule:
  • 7-8pm Meet in HEBB 114 for a mini-lecture and Q&A period
  • 8-9pm: create ASTRO-themed arts and crafts, and head to the roof to view some popular favourites: the moon, Jupiter and Saturn! *NOTE: this part of the evening is completely dependent upon the weather*
     
Speakers:

Bio: Alyssa Cassity

Alyssa is a PhD student studying radio pulsars, the rapidly spinning relics left behind after the supernovae explosions of massive stars. They have an enormous magnetic field that sends beams of radiation out from each pole. As the pulsar spins, a beam of radiation sweeps across Earth like a lighthouse!

Abstract:

Pulsars are rapidly rotating, highly magnetized neutron stars. Born in fantastic explosions called core-collapse supernovae, these objects emit beams of light from their magnetic poles. As they spin we receive pulses of light at our telescopes on Earth, like a cosmic lighthouse. In this talk I will discuss the basics of pulsars and their many applications throughout astronomy.

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Bio: Dr. Anan Lu

I am a postdoctoral researcher in the extragalactic group at the University of British Columbia (Canada). I develop software for the analysis of integral field unit (IFU) data. My research focuses on star formation efficiency in galaxy centers, including nuclear rings, bulges, and brightest cluster galaxies.

Abstract:

Many galaxies in the universe display beautiful ring-like structures, especially near their centers. In this talk, I will explore why these rings form and how they are tied to the growth and evolution of galaxies. Using stunning images of galaxies, I will take you on a visual journey through rings in galaxies — from large rings that are further away to small nearby nuclear rings that host the most intense star formation.

Add to Calendar 2026-01-27T19:00:00 2026-01-27T21:00:00 Science Under the Stars: Inaugural Event! Event Information: Welcome to our NEW Science Under the Stars event - a family-friendly introduction to astronomy, happening on the last Tuesday of every month. Join us for an evening of science curiosity! For our inaugural evening this January 27th, 2026, we will be showcasing guest speakers Dr. Anan Lu and Alyssa Cassity, creating hands-on space-themed arts and crafts, and (weather permitting) enjoying the views from HEBB building rooftop with some telescope observing. Light refreshments will be provided RSVP for tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/science-under-the-stars-tickets-1972132278734?aff=oddtdtcreator      Schedule: 7-8pm Meet in HEBB 114 for a mini-lecture and Q&A period 8-9pm: create ASTRO-themed arts and crafts, and head to the roof to view some popular favourites: the moon, Jupiter and Saturn! *NOTE: this part of the evening is completely dependent upon the weather*  Speakers: Bio: Alyssa Cassity Alyssa is a PhD student studying radio pulsars, the rapidly spinning relics left behind after the supernovae explosions of massive stars. They have an enormous magnetic field that sends beams of radiation out from each pole. As the pulsar spins, a beam of radiation sweeps across Earth like a lighthouse! Abstract: Pulsars are rapidly rotating, highly magnetized neutron stars. Born in fantastic explosions called core-collapse supernovae, these objects emit beams of light from their magnetic poles. As they spin we receive pulses of light at our telescopes on Earth, like a cosmic lighthouse. In this talk I will discuss the basics of pulsars and their many applications throughout astronomy. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  Bio: Dr. Anan Lu I am a postdoctoral researcher in the extragalactic group at the University of British Columbia (Canada). I develop software for the analysis of integral field unit (IFU) data. My research focuses on star formation efficiency in galaxy centers, including nuclear rings, bulges, and brightest cluster galaxies. Abstract: Many galaxies in the universe display beautiful ring-like structures, especially near their centers. In this talk, I will explore why these rings form and how they are tied to the growth and evolution of galaxies. Using stunning images of galaxies, I will take you on a visual journey through rings in galaxies — from large rings that are further away to small nearby nuclear rings that host the most intense star formation. Event Location: HEBB building Room 114 + HEBB rooftop (2045 East Mall or https://maps.ubc.ca/?code=HEBB)