Next Florida Tech Public Science Lecture Discusses Quasars Jan. 24

MELBOURNE, FLA.—The next Community Science Lecture Series presentation at Florida Institute of Technology will be the first of 2014, on Friday, Jan. 24, at 8 p.m. in the Olin Engineering Building Auditorium (EC118). Professor Clive Tadhunter from the University of Sheffield, UK, will present “Black holes, Quasars and galaxy formation.” The event is free and open to the public.

Quasars are the most luminous objects in the universe. Discovered 50 years ago, their links to normal non-active galaxies such as the Milky Way have only recently been understood. Tadhunter will review recent observations taken with the Gemini and Hubble telescopes, which show that the triggering of quasars is intimately connected with the evolution of galaxies; indeed, quasars may have a role in shaping the ultimate fate of the Milky Way.

Following the lecture, at approximately 9 p.m., and weather permitting, Florida Tech’s Student Astronomical Society will open the 32-inch Ortega telescope for public viewing; three smaller telescopes will be on hand for “astronomical hors d’oeuvres.”

Those interested in some hands-on astronomy, who have a telescope or are thinking about getting one, can join the Melbourne Astronomical Society at 6:30 p.m. that day at their meeting in room 144 of the Olin Physical Sciences Building.

Maps and directions for all these events can be found online at: http://cos.fit.edu/pss/aapls.php/

The F.W. Olin Engineering Complex is located on West University Boulevard. For more information, call (321) 674-7207.