Mothership Missions: Ancient Tech & Shifting Skies!

Saddle up for a night where the past meets the stars!
Join us for an unforgettable evening of stargazing stories, ancient tech, and jaw-dropping cosmic imagery—all set in the Mothership theater at The Lyric. We’re bringing together science and history for a double-feature of engaging astronomy talks led by two phenomenal speakers.

Event Lineup:

1. Ancient Astronomical Devices: Secrets, Scandals, and Sacrifices
Speaker: Eric Lingerfelt, Nuclear Astrophysicist & Software Engineer
Throughout the ages, humans have created rather sophisticated ways of tracking the moon, Sun, planets, and stars. After tracking objects in the night sky over hundreds or thousands of years, reliable patterns emerged that guided every aspect of daily life including agriculture, religion, and trade. This talk will focus on three methods for ancient modeling of the sky. We will start our journey with a place visited by the speaker, the 600-year-old Prague Astronomical Clock. Going further back in time, we will discuss the mysteries of the Peruvian Chichen Itza observatory, El Caracol. Finally, we take a detailed tour of the incredible engineering of the Antikythera mechanism.

2. Lights in the Dark: Around the Year, Around the Galaxy
Speaker: Professor Scott Denning, CSU Atmospheric Scientist & Astrophotographer
Ever wonder why the Milky Way looks brighter in summer or where to point your camera in fall? This talk explores how our view of the universe changes with the seasons, and what that reveals about our place in the Galaxy. Through stunning long-exposure astrophotography and accessible science, Professor Denning will guide us from galactic core to interstellar voids—and everything in between.

Who Should Come?
Space nerds, history buffs, the astro-curious, cosmic cowboys and cowgirls, and anyone who enjoys learning with a side of wonder.

Good to Know:
• Doors open at 6:00 PM
• The talks run from 6:15 to 7:45 PM
• No prior astronomy knowledge needed—just bring your curiosity!
• Tickets Required: This is a ticketed event. Proceeds will help fund future Cosmic Cowboys programming throughout the year. Donations are also welcome and appreciated! Get tickets here: https://Cosmiccowboysmothership.eventbrite.com