The Story of Our Cosmic Home
Schedule
Fri Mar 27 2026 at 05:30 pm to 08:30 pm
UTC-05:00Location
Welch Hall (WEL) Auditorium (WEL 2.224) , East 24th Street, Austin, TX, USA | Austin, TX
About this Event
What secrets are hiding in the stars above us, and what can they tell us about our galaxy? In the next Hot Science – Cool Talks, astronomer Dr. Keith Hawkins takes us on a galactic journey through the Milky Way. Using stellar light and chemical fingerprints, Dr. Hawkins’ research reveals previously hidden regions of the Milky Way’s spiral arms, reshaping how we understand our home galaxy. This event will make you see the night sky in a whole new light.
Arrive early and explore Cool Activities from 5:30 - 6:40! Local organizations will share exciting hands-on activities related to the talk! List of activities coming soon!
Keith Hawkins is an Associate Professor of Astronomy at The University of Texas at Austin. His research focuses on “Galactic Archaeology”, which is an approach to uncovering the Milky Way’s formation, evolution, and structure by studying the chemistry and motions of its stars. He is also a member and Co-Investigator with UT Austin’s newly established Wootten Center for Astrophysical Plasma Properties. Before joining UT, Keith was a Simons Junior Research Fellow at Columbia University. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge as a Marshall Scholar and completed his B.S. in Astrophysics at Ohio University.
About Hot Science - Cool Talks
provides a front-row seat to world-class research. Presented by the Environmental Science Institute (ESI) this nationally recognized series allows leading researchers from The University of Texas and other prominent universities to share their passion for science, technology, engineering, and math with the general public. Events are held six times a year.
Consider supporting Hot Science - Cool Talks with a gift: !
Agenda
🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:50 PM
Event Check-in
Info: We ask that everyone is checked in and seated in the auditorium by 6:50 p.m. or you will lose your seat to those on the waitlist. Check-in is available starting at 5:30 p.m. or no later than 6:40 p.m. in the main hallway in Welch where Cool Activities will take place. Look for the ORANGE check-in tables & bring your Eventbrite e-ticket.
🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:40 PM
Cool Activities
Info: Explore the evening’s topic through hands-on activities and information from 5:30 – 6:40 p.m. in the hallways of Welch (2nd floor). Closer to the event date, we will share a list of organizations participating in Cool Activities.
🕑: 07:00 PM - 08:15 PM
Talk with Q&A
Info: The talk starts at 7:00 p.m. in the Welch Auditorium (WEL 2.224) and will include a Q&A session with the speaker. We expect the talk will end by 8:15 p.m. though ending times may vary depending on the speaker.
Where is it happening?
Welch Hall (WEL) Auditorium (WEL 2.224) , East 24th Street, Austin, TX, USA, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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