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. I do this 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, available as either comprehensive thematic series or fully standalone individual units. (Full pricing details can be found at the bottom of this page, below the program listings.)
UPCOMING NEW PROGRAMS FOR 2026:
“Where are All the Little Green Men? Prospects for Alien Life in the Universe”: UAPs/UFOs are a hot topic right now. But what is the likelihood of alien life existing anywhere throughout the entirety of the Cosmos, let alone in the neighborhood that is our own local Solar System? Come learn about what the latest science has to say regarding that age-old question: “Are We Alone in the Universe?” (Program LGM-01)
On the Bleeding Edge: The Latest Discoveries in Astronomy: Is our model of the Universe all wrong? JWST, Hubble, Vera C. Rubin, ALMA: These are just a few of the ground- and space-based observatories that are providing reams of new information and discoveries. Join us as we survey the many current advances, challenges, and controversies in Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Cosmology. (Program BLE-01)
Unsolved Mysteries … of the Universe: While we have an amazingly comprehensive model of our Universe and how it evolved, there remain many mysteries – some old and some new – that have yet to be explained. We’ll dive into these to examine what they are and whether there might be possible answers on the horizon. (Program UMU-01)
What’s the Matter with Antimatter?: While antimatter may seem like the stuff of science fiction, we know for a fact that antimatter exists, because we can create it at will! And yet our Universe seems to be nearly devoid of the stuff. Come learn what antimatter is, why we think there should have been equal amounts of matter and antimatter, and hints about why there is not. (Program MAM-01)
A Universe of Knowledge Hidden in a Beam of Light: Astronomers claim to know a great deal about objects in the Universe. But can we be certain of all this, since we can only observe their light from afar and can never visit them to examine them up close? Join us to learn about all the amazing information scientists can tease out of even the faintest of cosmic flickers through the use of Spectroscopy. (Includes live plasma and spectroscopy demonstrations and explanations.) (Program SPC-01)
PREVIOUS PROGRAMS (with constantly updated materials):
“Messages from the Edge of the Universe” Trilogy Series (MEU)
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)
Note: This entire trilogy can be delivered as a comprehensive thematic series over three separate pre-scheduled dates.
But each unit is designed so that it can also be delivered as a fully independent, standalone presentation in its own right.
“Cosmic Life Cycles” Trilogy Series (CLC)
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)
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 were only aware of the eight planets circling the Sun in our own solar system. However, the last three decades have witnessed the confirmation of over 6,000 planets orbiting 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)
Note: This entire trilogy can be delivered as a comprehensive thematic series over three separate pre-scheduled dates.
But each unit is designed so that it can also be delivered as a fully independent, standalone presentation in its own right.
Audience: Adults and students (middle/junior-high school and up).
Presentation Details: Presentations typically run 50-60 minutes in length, followed by 15–30-minute Q&A sessions and optional bonus materials/demos (e.g.: Spectroscopy, Plasmas, Infrared Light, Radioactivity, and more).
Cost:
Upcoming 2026 Programs: $325/presentation
Previous Programs: $295/presentation ($795/3-unit CLC or MEU trilogy series)
If your group needs help with costs:
Discounts, scholarships, & gratis presentations are available on a case-by-case basis.
Please contact me for more details.