Valparaiso University Hosts Astronomy Lecture with World Expert Sun Kwok

WHO: Valparaiso University Department of Physics and Astronomy, in partnership with the Valparaiso University Colloquia on Innovative Science, hosts Sun Kwok, Ph.D, Dean of Science at The University of Hong Kong.

Kwok is regarded as the world expert on stellar evolution — how stars evolve — and astrochemistry. He is best known for his theory on the origin of planetary nebulae and the death of Sun-like stars. Recently, his research has focused on the synthesis of complex organic compounds in the late stages of stellar evolution.

He has published extensively, including “The Origin and Evolution of Planetary Nebulae,” “Cosmic Butterflies,” “Stardust: The Cosmic Seeds of Life” and more than 300 articles in professional journals and popular magazines. He has been a guest observer on many space missions, including the Hubble Space Telescope and the Infrared Space Observatory.

WHAT: Two lectures, free and open to the public, on “Organic Matter in the Universe” and “Stardust: The Cosmic Seeds of Life.”

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 18. “Organic Matter in the Universe” is at 3:30 p.m. and “Stardust: The Cosmic Seeds of Life” is at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: “Organic Matter” will be in Neils Science Center, room 234, and “Stardust” will be in the Duesenberg Recital Hall, Valparaiso University Center for the Arts, both on Valparaiso University’s campus.