Adult Afternoon Program: Chasing the Stars: From Astronomy to Astrophysics at Washburn Observatory

Join Dr. Jim Lattis for a presentation on the history of the Washburn Observatory.  The Washburn Observatory, located on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, began as a typical Nineteenth Century astronomical research institution but was halfway to obsolescence by 1920. This talk explains how our traditional observatory evolved onto the frontiers of modern astrophysics and space astronomy. 

Jim Lattis holds a Ph.D. in History of Science from UW–Madison and is the author of many publications in that field. He helped create UW Space Place, the outreach and public education center of the UW–Madison Astronomy Department and has directed it since its founding. He manages historic Washburn Observatory, teaches courses in introductory astronomy and its history, gives frequent public talks, and consults widely for the media (including UW Communications, Wisconsin and National Public Radio, and other national networks and newspapers). He has also led many trips focused on astronomical tourism.

This program was made possible by the Friends of the Neenah Library and the Neenah Public Library Trust Fund. Donations to the Friends and the Trust Fund are always accepted and appreciated.

Everyone is welcome. If accommodations are needed to attend, please contact the library administrative office at 920-886-6315 or by email at library@neenahlibrary.org at least 24 hours in advance of the program.