Pasadena Senior Center Hosts Monthly Astronomy Series

Officials from Carnegie Observatories in Pasadena will present monthly discussions about astronomy beginning Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 4 p.m. via Zoom.

The first, “Eyes on the Universe: Southern California’s Leadership in Astronomy Today,” will be presented by Dr. John Mulchaey, director of Carnegie Observatories.

Mulchaey will delve into the history and future of Pasadena as a leading center of astronomy research and discovery. His talk will provide insight into today’s “golden age” of astronomy and the promises it holds for understanding the universe. The event will include a short concert video of solo cello pieces performed by Cécilia Tsan, recorded under the dome of the Mount Wilson Observatory.

The cost is only $7 for members of the Pasadena Senior Center and $10 for non-members. To register for this Zoom event, visit www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org and click on Events, Clubs and Lectures, then Online Events or call 626-795-4331. Everyone who registers will receive an email link to access the event.

At Carnegie Observatories, Mulchaey investigates groups and clusters of galaxies, elliptical galaxies, active galaxies, black holes and dark matter, which is the invisible material that makes up most of the universe. He also is a scientific editor of The Astrophysical Journal and is actively involved in public outreach and education about astronomy and astrophysics. He received his PhD from the University of Maryland and was a fellow at the Space Telescope Science Institute and at Carnegie Observatories before joining the Carnegie staff.

Since the beginning of the 20th century, Southern California – and especially Pasadena – has been the world’s leading center of astronomy research and discovery. Today it is dedicated to deep research on the evolution of the cosmos and the training of new generations of astronomers. For the past 40 years most of this research has taken place at the Observatories’ large-telescope facilities in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile and has yielded discoveries about galaxy and star formation, dark matter, black holes and more.

For more information about online activities and other programs and services of the Pasadena Senior Center during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org or call 626-795-4331.

The center, at 85 E. Holly St., is an independent, donor-supported nonprofit organization. Doors are open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for social services and other critical assistance to older adults in need. Masks are required inside the building, and social distancing is maintained.