On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Friends of Astronomy and the longer history of our Department, we are organizing a symposium to celebrate the "Big Red Universe."

As much as the important role Cornell astronomy has played in the modern exploration of the universe near and far, we hope also to celebrate the many people who have shared that exploration--our graduates, the Friends of Astronomy, and the members of the Department.

Festivities will begin with the annual department recognition ceremony, featuring the presentation of prizes for student research and teaching, at 3 pm on Friday May 4th, and will conclude with a (somewhat provocative) panel discussion on "Do We Understand the Big Bang?" on Sunday morning May 6th. Saturday's symposium will explore the universe from the Solar System to the beginnings of time, with a special Big Red perspective, and we will hold celebratory dinners on both Friday and Saturday.

Registration is required for this event.

Times and location of events:

Friday
3:00pm - 4:40pm, 105 Space Sciences Building
6:30pm - 9:30pm, Robert Purcell Center

Saturday
8:30am - 4:00pm, 105 Space Sciences Building (Lunch at the Red Barn)
6:30pm - 9:30pm, Robert Purcell Center

Sunday
9:45am - 12:00, 105 Space Sciences Building