Cline Observatory Open House and Astronomy Lecture

On October 3, the Cline Observatory at Guilford College will host a lecture in their planetarium. Professor Thom Espinola will present a multimedia lecture about the life of Henrietta Leavitt, the Harvard astronomer and "computer" who discovered the relationship between how fast certain stars pulse and how bright they are. Her work was the foundation for figuring out how big the universe is, and led to the development of the Big Bang theory of cosmic origins. If weather allows, we will welcome our guests to the rooftop observatory after the lecture to view the cosmos through four 8 inch telescopes around the deck as well as the 16 inch telescope in the big dome. This event is free, open to the public, and family-friendly.

In November, we will be collaborating with the Guilford College Theater Department to stage a production (in the planetarium!) of Lauren Gunderson's play Silent Sky! (https://www.laurengunderson.com/all-plays/silent-sky) which is based on the life of Henrietta Leavitt and Annie Cannon. Coming to the lecture will prepare you well to see the play!