Humans have always been spellbound by the night, sky-craning their necks and using the stars to orient themselves in the world around them.
Dr. Emily Levesque, award-winning Professor of Astronomy at the University of Washington in Seattle, will discuss her book, “The Last Stargazers: The Enduring Story of Astronomy’s Vanishing Explorers” explores man’s relationship to the heavens in what has been described as a “love letter” to astronomy.
She will be in conversation with Carnegie Observatories Director John Mulchaey in the Pasadena Literary Alliance’s “Open Book” series Wednesday, February 9, at the Observatories, located at 813 Santa Barbara Street in Pasadena.
From Copernicus to Carl Sagan, astronomers throughout history have spent their lives trying to answer the biggest questions in the universe. In “The Last Stargazers,” Dr. Levesque shows how astronomers are going beyond the machines to infuse creativity and passion into the stars and space and inspires everyone to peer skyward in pursuit of the universe’s secrets.
At the University of Washington, Dr. Levesque’s research includes observing the universe on many of the planet’s largest telescopes and flying over the Antarctic stratosphere in an experimental aircraft.
Her book is an Amazon Best Book of 2020, a Finalist for the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award from PEN America, a finalist for the American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books, and a 2021 Alex Award official nominee.
The evening begins as you mingle at a pre-event hosted happy hour and take a brief tour of the Carnegie Observatories, then enjoy a sublime conversation between Dr. Levesque and Dr. Mulchaey.
A dessert reception and book signing will follow.
Open Book events take place with social distancing protocols in place. Attendees must present proof of full vaccination to enter. Proof can be via a physical copy or a photo of your vaccination card, electronic record of vaccination via a medical/pharmacy app, or email of vaccine proof which includes name and date. In all cases the name must match that on your photo ID.
According to Pasadena Department of Public Health protocols, masks are required in indoor public settings regardless of vaccination status unless you are actively eating and drinking or are otherwise exempt from wearing a mask due to a disability. Masks with exhalation valves, made of loosely woven fabrics, and scarves, buffs, bandanas, and face shields alone are prohibited.
Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are $50 General admission and $35 for students or educators.
To purchase tickets, go to https://forms.donorsnap.com/
