Degenerate Objects in Astronomy

Part of Speaker Series for Teachers

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

An audience looks up at three bright, splotchy depiction of the Milky Way inside the Hayden Planetarium. Matt Shanley/© AMNH

Join us for a special evening for educators with astrophysicist Jackie Faherty, senior research scientist and senior education manager at the Museum.

Faherty's scientific expertise is studying objects that are classified as having a degenerate core—a core that is packed so tightly it can’t shrink any further. These brown dwarfs bridge the gap between stars and planets and are revolutionizing how we understand atmospheres beyond our own. Faherty will show a suite of data from degenerate astronomical objects obtained from the James Webb Space Telescope and also share her experience from her career in science, including powering through challenges.

This is a free online event for teachers. One hour of CTLE credit is available.