American Astronomical Society

A total solar eclipse is set to sweep over parts of Europe, expected to boost tourism in countries like Spain and Portugal. While capturing photos presents unique challenges due to drastic lighting changes, smartphone shooters can improve their shots by finding high points with clear views toward the western horizon. Viewers are advised to consult forecast apps for clearer skies.

Researchers propose that aging stars receive thousands of small velocity boosts as they shed layers, leading to a final kick that alters their trajectories and can disrupt binary star systems. The findings, presented at the American Astronomical Society meeting, suggest these kicks result from asymmetric ejection of material during the red giant phase, with cumulative effects reaching up to 1 kilometer per second for resulting white dwarfs.

The 248th American Astronomical Society meeting in Pasadena highlights discussions about NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, a future flagship astrophysics mission with strong ties to the city. Scientists and professionals gathered to explore the telescope’s science operations and its role in advancing astrophysics research.

Caltech’s free public-astronomy series 'Astronomy on Tap' is celebrating its 150th show and 10th anniversary at the Dog Haus Biergarten in Old Pasadena. Researchers will discuss star formation in the Milky Way and dark sky preservation, coinciding with Pasadena’s City of Astronomy events and the American Astronomical Society’s 248th meeting.