May 25, 4:15 PM

Join us in the Planetarium for this free talk with Dr. Aida Behmard, of the American Museum of Natural History. How can we understand the processes that formed the thousands of planets we’ve discovered orbiting other stars? We can look at the stars these exoplanets orbit themselves, because the characteristics of these host stars - like what they’re made of - encode clues on how their planets came to be.

Science Under the Stars, May 25, 4:15 PM. Join us in the Planetarium for this free talk with Dr. Aida Behmard, of the American Museum of Natural History. How can we understand the processes that formed the thousands of planets we’ve discovered orbiting other stars? We can look at the stars these exoplanets orbit themselves, because the characteristics of these host stars - like what they’re made of - encode clues on how their planets came to be.

Dr. Behmard combines techniques used for studying exoplanets with another area of astronomy - galactic archaeology, which treats the chemistry of stars as artifacts for reconstructing the history of our galaxy, the Milky Way. By looking at exoplanet host star chemistry in galactic archaeology datasets, we can begin to understand planet formation on large - even galactic - scales.

Reserve your seat

Local families are welcome to register for the Small Explorers program, taking place in the Discovery Den on the second Saturday of the month. This playgroup is an opportunity for you to explore the Museum with your child and connect with other families for support. Families are encouraged to sign up for a full year of sessions to build knowledge, skills and relationships. The program is 45 minutes long and begins promptly. Sessions take place in-person at 9:45, 11:00 and 12:15 PM in the Discovery Den, The program is FREE, but space is limited; advance registration is required. Contact Susan.Kozak-Buckley@sos.nj.gov to learn more and register.

Small Explorers is supported by a grant from PNC Grow Up Great.

NOTE: Registration requests must be received by 10:00 am the Friday before the event in order to allow time for staff to confirm space availability.

Visit the Events/Calendar page for monthly program details and to register.