Exploring the Cosmos with Astronomy on Tap

The pop-science lecture series Astronomy on Tap leads historic and modern tours of Earth, Mars, and more, inspired by objects from the Library's Treasures exhibition.

Astronomy on Tap brings the excitement of astronomy and space to the public. Normally at a bar near you, they return to the Library to deliver a trio of accessible, engaging talks about mapping planets and the cosmos, each one inspired by the Explorations section of the Treasures exhibition, which exhibits rare books, maps, and manuscripts dedicated to the human history of exploration and innovation.

Dress for the theme – we want to see your astronomy fashion, t-shirts, jackets, accessories and more! Come early, a limited number of surprises will be handed out to those with an (inter)stellar wardrobe.

Featuring:

• Brian Levine, astronomy educator and producer of NYC Astronomy on Tap


• Marina Gemma, PhD Candidate at Columbia University


• Jana Grcevich, co-author of Vacation Guide to the Solar System


• Matthew Stanley, historian of astronomy at NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study

Snacks, beer, and wine available for purchase.

Presented as part of The Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library's Treasures, which showcases some of the most extraordinary items from the 56 million in our collections.

This event is in-person only | Doors will open 30 minutes before the program begins. For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. All registered seats are released shortly before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A standby line will form 30 minutes before the program.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Marina Gemma is a PhD Candidate at Columbia University who does her research in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the American Museum of Natural History. She studies primitive meteorites, focusing on the spectral and geochemical characteristics of ordinary and carbonaceous chondrites using a variety of analytic techniques in order to reveal their connections to asteroids and the conditions that existed at the time of their formation in the early solar system.

Jana Grcevich received her doctorate in astronomy from Columbia University studying the many small galaxies that make up our galactic neighborhood. Following that, she continued as a postdoc at the American Museum of Natural History, where she taught future high school science teachers and wrote and presented shows at the Hayden Planetarium. She co-authored the popular science book, Vacation Guide the Solar System with Penguin Random House, and has planned thousands of "space vacations" at events around the country. She currently lives in Somerville, Massachusetts.

Brian Levine is an astronomy educator, and education administrator, and long-time producer and host of NYC Astronomy on Tap events. He received a Master’s degree in “Free-Choice Learning” Science Education, and has worked at the American Museum of Natural History teaching in and managing several teen programs. A lifelong Brooklynite and avid Phish fan, he is also a board member on several nonprofits including the NYC Museum Educators Roundtable, and has worked with many museums, informal education institutions, and leisure-based science programs across the city and country.

Matthew Stanley is a historian of astronomy at NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study. He holds degrees in astronomy, religion, physics, and the history of science and is interested in the connections between science and the wider culture. His most recent book is Einstein’s War: How Relativity Triumphed Amid the Vicious Nationalism of World War I, the story of how pacifism and friendship led to a scientific revolution. He is the co-host of the podcast What the If, where he and his friends teach science through thought experiments and imagined worlds.

PROTOCOLS FOR IN-PERSON LIVE FROM NYPL PROGRAMS

Patrons are strongly encouraged to wear a mask at LIVE from NYPL events.

If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or suspect you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, please stay home.

ACCESSIBILITY

In-Person | Assistive listening devices and/or hearing loops are available at the venue. You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org or use this Gmail template. This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs.

CONNECT

Please submit all press inquiries to Sara Beth Joren at least 48 hours before the event: email sarabethjoren@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

For all other questions and inquiries, please email publicprograms@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

The New York Public Library's free services and resources are made possible thanks to the support of the Friends of the Library. Join this group of Library lovers and take advantage of special membership benefits, like invitations to members-only virtual events, discounts at the Library Shop, and more. Join now.

LIVE from NYPL is made possible by the continuing generosity of Celeste Bartos, Mahnaz Ispahani Bartos and Adam Bartos, the Margaret and Herman Sokol Public Education Endowment Fund, and the support of Library patrons and friends.

Treasures programming is made possible by the Estate of Helen Sisserson.

Courtesy Marina Gemma
Courtesy Jana Grcevich
Courtesy Brian Levine
Courtesy Matthew Stanley