Join us on Wednesday, December 10 at 2:30 PM in White Hall, Room G09. Professor Jason Ybarra will present a talk titled "From Archives to Astrophysics: Reviving Historical Data for Modern Discovery."

_______

Abstract

Most astrophysical timescales far exceed human lifetimes, and many phenomena we perceive as stable or in equilibrium are, in fact, undergoing slow but continuous change. The full range of parameters and behaviors of celestial objects may only be revealed through observations spanning centuries. This talk explores the history of astronomy, not only as context for the human role in scientific discovery, but also as a valuable source of long-term data that can inform modern astrophysical research. I will highlight recent projects conducted with students at West Virginia University.