Colloquium on Oct. 15, 2026

From Photons to Discovery: How Optics Has Repeatedly Pushed the Frontiers of Astronomy

Speaker: Rue Yang (YNU)

Venue: SWIFAR Building 2111

Time: 16:00 PM, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026

Abstract:

This talk follows three threads - imaging, spectroscopy, and active optics—to trace how optics has repeatedly opened new observational windows for astronomy. From Kepler's analysis of pinhole imaging to adaptive optics, laser frequency combs, and laser guide stars, each leap in optical capability has corresponded to a class of astronomical questions that could not previously be asked. The talk concludes by asking: what new questions does a new optical capability allow us to ask?

Report PPT:  SWIFAR_Rue Yang.pdf