- 4:00-5:00 pm Discovery Station
- 5:15-6:45 pm Lecture and Q&A
- 6:30-8:30 pm Observatory Open
The universe is far older and vaster than anyone imagined a century ago. The discoveries that changed our view of the universe required a marriage of scientific inquiry with the intricate technologies of large telescopes equipped with powerful instruments. Hectospec, an instrument operating at the 6.5 meter MMT Observatory in Arizona, uses the precision technology of optical fibers placed by delicate but very fast robots to help us map the structure and evolution of the universe. Learn how Hectospec was developed, how it works, and how it is used by astronomers for scientific discovery. Smithsonian's Stars lectures are suitable for ages 13 and up. |
