Events
Beyond the Telescope: How Stars Shape Galaxies
The Phantom Galaxy, as seen in Near Infrared and Mid-Infrared thanks to JWST, on the planetarium dome.
On Monday, May 4, 2026, the Charles Hayden Planetarium at the Boston Museum of Science hosted astrophysicists Dr. Scott Lucchini, Prof. Alyssa Goodman, and Dr. Cameren Swiggum for Beyond the Telescope: How Stars Shape Galaxies.
The presentation seamlessly merged JWST observations with Dr. Lucchini’s simulations to demonstrate how galaxies evolve and how the stellar life cycle impacts galactic architecture. At the end of the event, attendees took home Merge Cubes to further explore the datasets shown during the show.
Missed the in-person event? Begin your exploration of the Phantom Galaxy with the Bubbling Galaxy Data Story.
The evening's HANDOUTS offer plenty of links to explore more!
From left: Prof. Alyssa Goodman, Dr. Scott Lucchini, and Dr. Cameren Swiggum.
Lucchini's simulation of the Phantom Galaxy inspires awe on the planetarium dome.
Thank you to the night’s presenters and collaborators.
PRESENTERS
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Prof. Alyssa Goodman, Robert Wheeler Willson Professor of Applied Astronomy at Harvard University
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Dani LeBlanc, Director for the Center for Space Sciences and the Director of Immersive Theaters at the Museum of Science, Boston
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Dr. Scott Lucchini, ITC Fellow at the Center for Astrophysics Harvard | Smithsonian
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Dr. Cameren Swiggum, postdoc at the Center for Astrophysics Harvard | Smithsonian
COLLABORATORS:
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Micah Acinapura, Software Integration Engineer at the American Museum of Natural History
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Jonathan Carifio, Software Engineer for CosmicDS
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John Lewis, Educator & Software Engineer for CosmicDS
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Caity Sullivan, Senior Education Associate at the Charles Hayden Planetarium
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Patricia Udomprasert, Science PI for CosmicDS