U-M Astronomy Chair to present free public lecture on space telescope discoveries

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered, “are we alone?” Are you curious about what astronomers do, and how the field draws upon many other areas of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and design?

The public is invited to explore the mysteries of the universe at a free lecture featuring Dr. Michael Meyer, Chair of the University of Michigan’s Department of Astronomy, on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, at Jackson College’s Central Campus.

The event, Exploring Modern Astronomy, will showcase groundbreaking discoveries from the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes and address fundamental questions about our place in the cosmos. The lecture will explore how space-based telescopes like Hubble and James Webb are revolutionizing modern astronomy. Meyer will reveal how the field integrates science, technology, engineering, mathematics and design.

Event Details:

• When: Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025
  • 6-7 p.m.: Main presentation
  • 7-8 p.m.: Q&A session with Dr. Meyer
  • 8-11 p.m.: Public observation at Jackson College’s Astronomical Observatory
• Where: Jackson College Central Campus, Bert Walker Hall Community Rooms
• Cost: Free admission with snacks provided
• Special Focus: High school and college students, educators, and the general public

About the Speaker:

Dr. Michael Meyer brings over 25 years of international research experience in galactic and infrared astronomy, star and planet formation, and the search for life in the universe. He previously served as Chair of Star and Planet Formation at ETH Zürich (2009-2016) and as Professor at the University of Arizona’s Department of Astronomy & Steward Observatory (2000-2009). As a former Hubble Fellow, he has contributed to the development of both ground- and space-based instruments, including the NIRCam and NIRISS instruments for the James Webb Space Telescope.

The lecture will feature deep observations from JWST that reveal the initial conditions of star formation, the composition of planet-forming materials, and insights into brown dwarfs and circumstellar disks. Dr. Meyer will demonstrate how these discoveries help answer fundamental questions about planetary formation and the potential for life beyond Earth.

The Q&A session is specifically designed to encourage students and educators to explore career opportunities in STEM fields. Teachers are invited to remain after the public portion for a special planning session focused on future STEM transition events.

To submit a question, click here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEnbC4SrfQ9MCuJoDLgOKI82YmQ8YE7-kYXRPfFZnfWodaKQ/viewform

The evening concludes with public observing at Jackson College’s new Astronomical Observatory, providing attendees the opportunity to see celestial objects firsthand through professional-grade telescopes.

This event represents a unique opportunity for the local community to engage directly with cutting-edge astronomical research and speak with a leading scientist about the future of space exploration and our understanding of the universe.

About Dr. Michael R. Meyer: Dr. Meyer (born 1967) holds an A.B. in Physics from Washington University in St. Louis, an M.S. in Physics from the University of Missouri, and a Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Massachusetts. He completed postdoctoral research at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy and served as a Hubble Fellow before joining academic positions in Arizona and Switzerland.