WHAT The
Junior Council concluded its 2012-2013 season with a
special discussion in the Hayden Planetarium by the
Museum’s curator of astrophysics, Michael Shara,
followed by a cocktail and jazz reception on the
Museum’s Arthur Ross Terrace.
Astronomers have been fascinated by exploding
stars—novae and supernovae—for centuries. Recent
advances in observational technology and computing power
have enabled astronomers to assemble a “Tree of Stellar
Death,” similar to the Tree of Life assembled by modern
biologists. Dr. Shara will describe the processes that
lead to stellar explosions, and how several types of
erupting stars are related to each other—the same way
that butterflies are related to caterpillars. He will
also describe ongoing research at the Museum that aims
to establish new branches in the Tree of Stellar Death.
BACKGROUND
The American Museum of Natural History’s Junior Council
is one of New York City’s most stimulating membership
groups for young philanthropists. Founded in 1994, the
Junior Council supports the Museum’s
mission to discover, interpret, and
disseminate—through scientific research and
education—knowledge about human cultures, the natural
world, and the universe.
Each year, Junior Council members participate in special
events that offer them an intimate view inside the
Museum’s collections, activities, and exhibitions.
Junior Council members go behind the scenes at one of
the world’s preeminent museums, meet some of the
nation’s most distinguished and engaging scientists, and
preview the latest exhibitions.
CO-CHAIRS Holly and Martin Okner, Zachary
and Lori Pomerantz, Robin and Brad Roberts, Gaelin
Rosenwaks, Heather and Ross Schulman, Iain and Zoe
Wilson
TICKETS
For reservations or
information on joining the Junior Council, please call
212-769-5986 or email
jcmembership@amnh.org . Proceeds from each event
help support the Museum’s educational and scientific
programming.
FOLLOW
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