Dr. Philip Muirhead
NANTUCKET- The Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association will host a lecture by Dr. Philip Muirhead entitled “Small Stars with Small Planets and Big Consequences” focusing on M dwarf stars this month.
As an Assistant Professor of Astronomy at Boston University, Muirhead is involved in a number of research projects targeted to understanding planets outside our solar system that orbit low-mass stars.
M dwarf stars, are smaller, dimmer stars than our own Sun and cannot be seen with the naked eye. They represent roughly 70% of the stars in our galaxy. Muirhead will discuss the results of his recent research programs using the Keck Observatory, Palomar Observatory, and the Discovery Channel Telescope.
He will also talk about the implications that M dwarf stars have being surrounded by rocky planets, which raises questions about their history, evolution, and potential habitability.
The Maria Mitchell Association is a private non-profit organization founded in 1902. MMA works to preserve the legacy of Nantucket native astronomer, naturalist, librarian, and educator, Maria Mitchell.
The event will take place on June 20, 2018 at 7:00 PM. at the MMA’s property at 33 Washington Street, Nantucket. The talk is free for MMA Members and $10 for Non-Members.
For more information, visit mariamitchell.org
By JOHN BONDAREK, CapeCod.Com News Center
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