Event Details
White Dwarfs are the final stage in the life of low-mass stars like our own Sun. They are made up of intensely compact, (degenerate) matter — mostly carbon and oxygen. Over cosmic timescales, these dwarfs radiate away their energy and begin to cool down. In the 1960s, theorists suggested that eventually, some White Dwarfs should become cold enough to crystallize. It would be forty years later before this theory was confirmed observationally, through the discovery of a diamond White Dwarf: Lucy. In this talk, we will look at white dwarfs, how they form, what they are made of, how they cool, and ultimately how they might become star-sized diamonds.
These are free lectures at a public level followed by guided stargazing with telescopes (weather permitting). All events are held at the Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics at Caltech. No reservations are needed. Lectures are 30 minutes, stargazing lasts 90 minutes. Stay only as long as you want.
- Friday — July 20, 2018
8:00PM - 10:00PM - Caltech, Cahill, Hameetman Auditorium
1200 E California Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91125
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The Organizer
City of Astronomy
Eleven Pasadena-based scientific institutions and organizations partnered to celebrate Pasadena as the "City of Astronomy." These world-renowned institutions are collaborating together to promote greater public awareness about Pasadena’s rich history in the field of astronomy.