Astro on Tap Victoria: Our Galaxy Through Time – LAUNCH!

This summer, we are launching Astronomy on Tap in Victoria, British Columbia! These are fun and free outreach events where astronomers give presentations on exciting science topics at local bars. Victoria is home to several world-class science institutions, and we are thrilled to showcase our island’s fascinating research in a casual bar setting where everyone can learn.

The launch event will be held on Thursday, July 30th, at the Vicious Poodle, a fantastic LGBTQ+ safe bar downtown. Doors open @6pm and the talk begins @6:30pm. Stick around for space-themed trivia afterwards, and of course, enjoy the food and drinks served by our incredible host!

Our very first speaker will be Dr. Akshara Viswanathan, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Victoria studying stars in our very own Milky Way Galaxy. Dr. Viswanathan will present, “Our Galaxy Through Time: The Turbulent Past, Ordered Present, and Eventful Future”

~While our Milky Way Galaxy appears as a serene band of light across the night sky, its current structure is the result of billions of years of small and large galactic collisions. In this talk, I will trace the story of our Galaxy, from the chaotic mergers that built its foundation to the ancient stellar birth that shaped its current form. I will then walk through how our Galaxy continues to grow today by interacting with smaller neighboring systems, such as the Magellanic Clouds. Finally, I will look toward the distant future, where gravity will draw our Galaxy and Andromeda together into a new, combined structure. Join me to discover how current telescope observations allow me to reconstruct the complex narrative of our galactic home and its place in a changing universe.~

Come on out to learn some exciting science with us! We hope to see you all there!