Astronomy and Space Science Presentations with
NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador gReG Donohue
I am a dynamic, engaging, and humorous speaker with a passion for sharing the very latest mind-blowing information from the world of astronomy and space science in a lively, interesting, and understandable format. Venues have included regular presentations at the Pacific Science Center, schools, libraries, Science On Tap, etc. Please use the Contact Page to inquire about presentation opportunities, scheduling, and questions.
I currently offer the following programs, which are available as either comprehensive thematic series or as fully standalone individual units:
“Messages from the Edge of the Universe” Series
JWST and Photons: The Webb Space Telescope is sending back spectacular images of our universe from much deeper and farther back in time than ever before possible. Come see how Webb’s data is both confirming - and challenging - many aspects of our understanding of the cosmos. (Program: MEU-01)
LIGO and Gravitons: Catastrophic mergers of black holes and neutron stars produce unimaginably powerful gravitational waves that warp and stretch the very fabric of space and time through which they travel. Come discover how we can now detect them, and what they are teaching us about some of the most cataclysmic events in the universe. (Program: MEU-02)
Super-Kamiokande and Neutrinos: Neutrinos are subatomic particles produced in incomprehensibly massive quantities by our Sun, the stars, and supernovae explosions, and yet each second, trillions of them pass unimpeded not only through our bodies but through the entire Earth as well. Come learn how detecting these ghostlike particles is now allowing us to peer into the very hearts of stars, revealing long-hidden secrets of the universe. (Program: MEU-03)
“Cosmic Life Cycles” Series
The Birth, Life, and Death of Galaxies: Space telescopes are providing images of both nearby galaxies, as well as glimpsing infant galaxies that formed not long after the birth of the universe itself. Come on a journey of discovery as we learn how and when galaxies form, how they evolve over time, and what the distant future holds for them - and for us. (Program CLC-01 Coming Spring 2025)
The Birth, Life, and Death of Stars: While most of the stars we can see with the naked eye appear quite similar and unchanging, nothing could be further from the truth. Come along as we uncover the many different types of stars, and find out how and where they are born, live out their lives, and then die in the most spectacular fashion. (Program CLC-02)
The Birth, Life, and Death of Planets: Throughout most of human history, we only knew of the 8 planets circling the Sun in our own solar system, but the last three decades have seen the confirmation of well over 5,500 planets around other stars. Adventure with us to learn what these exoplanets are like, the likelihood they might harbor life, and what they are teaching us about our own solar system’s planets - including the one on which we happen to live. (Program CLC-03 Coming Spring 2025)