Live Astronomy Hangouts

Featuring the latest in astronomy research, space astronomy, human trips to Mars and the future of humanity's efforts in space, our Live Astronomy Hangouts are designed to bring you into the world of science and technology. Engage in conversation with some of the world's leading astronomers, engineers and space thinkers.

Featured Hangouts

Designed to bring you into the world of astronomy science & technology

Future In Space

Third Thursday of every month
3pm Eastern Time
Kindly sponsored by AAS

What is the future for human space flight look like? What are some of the challenges being in space? What are the next generation space telescopes beyond the James Webb Space Telescope? What new technologies are being developed for finding and studying exoplanets? There is so much happening in the fields of space astronomy, human spaceflight and exploration that we devoted an entire hangout to discuss some of the topics facing the future of humanity in space. Join us to learn what's in store!

Afternoon Astronomy Coffee

Second & Fourth Thursday of every month
3pm Eastern Time
Kindly sponsored by AAS

Please join our live astronomy discussion with professional astronomers from around the world to highlight the latest astronomical research. Be on the cutting edge of the latest astronomy discoveries every other Thursday at 3pm ET.

Telescope Talk

First & Third Wednesday of every month
3pm Eastern Time

Have you been wondering what kind of telescope to buy? Are you bewildered by the array of choices in getting started looking at the night sky through a telescope? Telescope Talk is a hangout series designed to introduce you to the wonderful hobby of amateur astronomy by offering expert advice on telescopes, eyepieces, filters, binoculars and more. Tony Darnell, Adam Smith, John Suffill and Alexander Reinders have decades of experience behind the eyepiece and they are very eager to help you with your questions and guide you through the world of amateur astronomy without feeling overwhelmed. This hangout meets two Wednesdays per month at 3pm ET.

What are live astronomy hangouts?

Our Live Astronomy Hangouts are designed to bring you into the world of science and technology especially as it concerns astronomy, cosmology and space travel. These discussions are designed to engage you in conversation with some of the world's leading astronomers, engineers and space thinkers - we bring them straight to you!

Each week, we bring the the latest research in astronomy, highlights from the future of space astronomy and astronautics planning, as well as updates on the exploration of Mars to you every week via Hangouts on Air. With the sponsorship of both the American Astronomical Society (AAS) and the American Astronautical Society (the other AAS), our hosts Tony Darnell, Carol Christian, Alberto Conti, and Harley Thronson examine today's breakthroughs in research and peer into the unfolding possibilities of what we may learn about the universe and Mars exploration.

We join with members of the American Astronomical Society and American Astronautical Society to chat, in an informal online setting modeled after "science coffee" events held in universities and research organizations across the country. We will examine what we hope to learn about exoplanets, black holes, the early universe, quasars, and life in the universe along with what technologies might help us — and reflect upon the scientific endeavors occurring today that uncover amazing astrophysics and lay the groundwork for studies to come.

We will also explore the technology and engineering used today as well as possibilities for future space travel and research with members of both societies, and probe what our future in space may look like and how we might get there. We will examine the underlying technologies of space telescopes, orbiters, landers, and human space vehicles now and in the years to come. We will delve into topics that help us understand the possibilities and limitations of human space flight and eventual human colonization of other worlds.

We hope you can join us each month as we bring experts from both societies — people who think about and plan for our future in space — to your computer, tablet, or smartphone. We invite you to bring your questions and comments and get ready to learn about the amazing possibilities for the future of space astronomy and exploration.

Want to be a guest?

Would you like to appear on one of our hangouts to discuss your latest paper, talk or just interact with the general public about your research? Please let us know by filling in our form and we'll contact you!