The Condor Array Telescope (A Free, Virtual Event)

Registration is required for this free, virtual event. Go to: https://bit.ly/CondorTalk

Hamptons Observatory and co-host, Amagansett Library, are honored to present a free, virtual lecture by eminent astronomer, Professor Kenneth M. Lanzetta.

A new type of astronomical telescope—built by an international team of students and researchers--has attracted significant scientific and popular attention. The Condor Array Telescope is an “array telescope” that is made up of six off-the-shelf refracting telescopes coupled with six off-the-shelf large-format CMOS camera all mounted onto a common mount. The telescope was deployed to a very dark site near Animas, New Mexico in the spring of 2021 and was commissioned and calibrated over the course of the summer and autumn of 2021. The telescope has been in operation ever since, autonomously collecting observations every clear night. The research objectives of the project include studying (1) the low-surface-brightness outer regions of the Milky Way, the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, and other nearby and distant galaxies, (2) transiting planets, gravitational microlensing events, and stars at a very rapid cadence, and (3) the faint and extended ejecta of explosive and massive stars. In this presentation, Prof. Lanzetta will discuss the project, the search for Earth-like planets, and describe the observations that Condor has obtained over its first 18 months of operation.

Kenneth M. Lanzetta obtained a BA in Physics from the University of Pennsylvania and a PhD in Physics from the University of Pittsburgh. He subsequently held a two year postdoctoral appointment at the Institute of Astronomy of the University of Cambridge in England, then spent four years as a postdoctoral researcher and Hubble Fellow at the Center for Astrophysics and Space Sciences of the University of California, San Diego. In 1994, he became an assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Stony Brook University, was promoted to associate professor in 1997, and to professor in 2001. His research interests involve extragalactic astronomy and cosmology, including issues of galaxy formation and evolution, quasar absorption lines, evolution of the intergalactic medium, detection and identification of faint, high-redshift galaxies, and development and application of optimal image processing techniques utilizing large-scale scientific computing facilities.

Hamptons Observatory extends its deepest thanks to Prof. Lanzetta for generously taking the time to share his expertise, and to co-host Amagansett Library for its kind collaboration.

Hamptons Observatory (HO), a 501(c)(3) NYS nonprofit that relies on public support, has served the community since 2005. Its mission: to foster interest in science, particularly astronomy, through educational programs. Lectures, star parties, portable planetarium shows and other events are held, often in collaboration with other nonprofit organizations. HO has established the first astronomical observatory on the South Fork of Long Island (in East Hampton), complete with Long Island’s largest research-grade telescope. Hamptons Observatory offers all of its programs free-of-charge (although donations are greatly appreciated) so that everyone can learn about and enjoy the universe around them. To join our email list for news and event notices, please email [email protected]. To make a tax-deductible donation to support our mission, please visit www.HamptonsObservatory.org and click on Support Us. Thanks!