Ancient Cosmos: How the Greeks and Romans Saw the Sky

Join us for an exploration of the night sky past and present. Author Jo Marchant delves into how the night sky appeared to classical observers, the constellations they recognized, and the significance of the stars in their daily lives. From Homer’s poetry and Archimedes’s models to Roman emperors who read their fate in the heavens, learn how the stars influenced mythology, politics, timekeeping, and navigation. Then head outdoors for a stargazing session with the astrophotographers of SkiesAway who will guide you through the night sky with telescopes. Enjoy after-hours gallery access, complimentary refreshments, astrology readings, and other surprises.

Dr. Jo Marchant is an award-winning science journalist and author of several popular science books including The Human Cosmos (2020), which tells the story of humanity’s relationship with the night sky and the universe beyond; Decoding the Heavens (2009), about the century-long race to decipher the ancient Greek Antikythera mechanism; and the New York Times bestseller Cure: A Journey into the Science of Mind over Body (2016). She previously worked as a senior editor at New Scientist and at Nature, and her articles have appeared in publications including the New York Times, The Guardian, and Smithsonian magazine.

The SkiesAway team has operated star parties around the world – from the top of volcanoes and the High Sierra to the darkest deserts and urban backyards. Founder Bryan Cogdell is an astrophotographer and telescope expert, and has traveled and backpacked through California to find the best dark sky sites. He shares his passion for astronomy through engaging talks with audiences of all ages. Jarred Donkersley is a science communicator and amateur astronomer, dedicated to championing dark sky conservation and fostering a deeper, more immersive understanding of our place within the solar system and the Milky Way. Katie Carolan is an astronomer and science communicator who finds endless joy blowing peoples minds with the enormous awe and wonder that comes with simply observing our tremendous universe through a telescope.