Evening with the Stars – June 13, 2025

Evening with the Stars – June 13th, 2025 8:30pm

Lecture: Galaxy evolution and star formation explored with simulations and big data

Astronomer: Dr. Sarah Loebman

Program Information

7:30 pm	Doors Open
	Lecture Hall	36-inch Great Refractor Dome
8:30pm	Science Lecture	History Lecture
9:30 pm	Science Talk (repeated)	Telescope Viewings
10:30 pm	History Talk (repeated)	Telescope Viewings
1:00 am	Doors Close

Observing passes are handed out when you check in at the door so please plan to arrive early!

Observing only ends when everyone has had a chance to look through the telescope.

Gift shop is open from 7:00pm until 11:00pm.

Weather may restrict telescope viewings, but all other activities will still take place.

Science Lecture

Galaxy evolution and star formation explored with simulations and big data

Dr. Sarah Loebman – UC Merced

Dr. Sarah Loebman is UC Merced- Physics Department’s first astrophysicist. She was a postdoctoral researcher at UC Davis, she holds both the Hubble and Chancellor’s postdoctoral fellowships. Dr. Loebman obtained her Ph.D. in Astronomy at the University of Washington, and she was previously a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Michigan. Her research in computational astrophysics centers on galaxy evolution, dark matter, and chemo-dynamics in the Local Universe, making use of high resolution galaxy simulations, survey data, and Big Data tools and techniques. She also brings substantial experience in teaching and in efforts to support diversity, equity and inclusion in astrophysics.

Telescope Targets

Tonight’s guests will have the chance to observe:

Great 36″ Refractor

Object chosen each evening

Nickel 40″ Reflector
Cat’s Eye Nebula

Outside Telescopes
More telescopes will be available outside looking at galaxies, star clusters, and more!

Cat’s Eye Nebula
Image Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO; Optical: NASA/STScI

Featured Observatory Volunteers & Staff

Hosts

Dr. Lauren Corlies

TBD

History Lecture 1

TBD

History Lecture 2

TBD

Great Refractor Operators

TBD

Nickel Reflector Operator

TBD

Nickel Reflector Control Room

TBD

Thanks to all of our volunteers for making this evening possible!

Tips and Additional Information

Refreshments

Snacks and beverages are available at the refreshment table in the main foyer. All proceeds help support the public programs. In the past, we have used proceeds to purchase an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), additional wooden benches in the main building, new speakers and amplifiers for the main building hallway, and partial funding of two spotting telescopes by the flag pole.

Dark Adjustment

Your experience at the telescopes will be better if your eyes have had an opportunity to adjust to the dark. For this reason, we try to keep the light levels low in both wings of the main hall.

Lights

Please refrain from use of flash photography or white light flashlights in the domes or adjoining hallway.

Assistance

We strive to make your visit as complete and meaningful as possible. Please let us know if you will need special assistance (for example, if you will have difficulty climbing stairs) by emailing tickets@ucolick.org, so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Our Volunteers

All of Lick Observatory’s public programs are greatly enhanced by the valuable participation of our many dedicated volunteers.

Interested in volunteering? Learn more here!