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Public talk: What we don't know about comets and telescope viewing - Clayton

Published: 24 June 2009

A few times every year, comets wander into our solar system, out from the vast darkness beyond Pluto. Where do they come from? And why do they come to visit us? We don't know, though there are several wild theories, some involving vast rings containing trillions of orbiting ice-blocs, or whole families of planets hundreds of times further out than Pluto. In this public lecture, Dr Paul Francis will review these mysteries, and the enduring puzzle of what might lurk in the vast, dark, unexplored reaches between Pluto and the nearest stars.

Following the lecture there will be a public astronomical viewing session (weather permitting). This will take place at 8 pm, on the top level of the multi-storey car park at the north-west corner of the Clayton campus. It could be very cold outdoors, so please bring warm clothing with you.

Time: 7 to 11 pm
Date: Tuesday 30 June, 2009
Venue: Lecture Theatre C1, Building 63 Monash Clayton campus

For further information contact:
Name: Doris Herft
Telephone: +61 3 990 54465
Email: Doris.Herft@sci.monash.edu.au
Website: IYA09 website