06/04/2026
AoT Boulderās June event is shaping up to be a truly out-of-this-world event, and weāre so excited to announce this monthās speakers! āļø
Join us at 8pm on June 12th to hear about solar physics, planetary atmospheres, and exoplanet science from leading scientists!
Dr. Ryan French is a solar physicist, science communicator, and author, currently based at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder. He is pursuing the mysteries of the Sun at the forefront of modern solar physics research, using cutting edge telescopes on the ground and in space. Ryan also works to share the wonders of the Sun and space with the public, through his published popular astronomy books, social media, and public talks.
Fun fact: As if Astronomy wasnāt already nerdy enough, Ryan recently picked up a new hobby ā bird watching!
Dr. Zach Berta-Thompson is a professor of astrophysical and planetary science at the University of Colorado Boulder. He uses telescopes to observe exoplanets, worlds orbiting other stars in the Milky Way Galaxy. Zach grew up as the son of two ceramic artists in Michigan, studied with caring astronomers at Princeton, Harvard, and MIT, and started as a professor at Colorado in 2016. At CU, he leads a team of researchers and teaches students to practice using curiosity, creativity, coding, and kindness to learn more about how worlds work.
Fun fact: Zach does a lot of baking wuth a four-year-old who often refuses to follow a recipe, resulting in the discovery of horrible and magnificent new treats.
Dr. Dave Brain is a Professor of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences here at the University of Colorado. He uses spacecraft data and computer models to understand the atmospheres and magnetic environments of rocky planets such as Mars, Earth, and Venus.
Fun fact: Dave can balance things on his chin, including chairs!
