Welcome to the Peninsula Astronomical Society
The Peninsula Astronomical Society (PAS) is a group of Bay Area astronomy enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds. We hold frequent meetings featuring invited speakers and covering diverse topics in astronomy, organize star parties, and host public observing programs at Foothill Observatory. Learn more about us, and join us on the PAS Membership page.
 | Also find us on Meetup.com at Peninsula Astronomical Society — where we list all upcoming talks and events. |
October Meeting
Why Are Exoplanetary Systems Unlike the Solar System?
A talk by Professor Daniel Jontof-Hutter
University of the Pacific
NASA’s Kepler mission discovered over 4,400 transiting planets around other stars, including over 700 systems with multiple planets. This sample of exoplanet systems enables us to study planetary systems as a population, and test planet formation theory. The results are that our Solar System has a relatively rare configuration, and we don’t know why. In this talk, we will explore the expectations of planet formation theory, and the constraints that are now available form observations, as we work toward the goal of understanding how common Earth-like worlds are and finding such cosmic neighbors.
October 15, 7pm to 8:30pm
Los Altos Library, Orchard room
13 S. San Antonio Rd, Los Altos, CA 94022
Free and open to the public.
Public Programs at Foothill Observatory
Foothill Observatory on the Foothill College campus is open to the public on the following schedule:
- Every clear Friday evening, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. for star gazing
- Every clear Saturday morning, from 10 a.m. to noon for solar viewing
Inclement Weather: The observatory may close early — or may not open at all — if weather conditions or other circumstances prevent good observing. Please check the weather before coming out.
More about Foothill Observatory | Map & Directions
About PAS | PAS Membership | Foothill Observatory | Oak Ridge Observatory | info@pastro.org