Extreme Exoplanets
Second in a lecture series curated by Dr. Gary Blackwood, NASA/JPL, ret:
COSMIC CONNECTIONS with NASA Scientists beneath the Desert Sky
Extreme Exoplanets:
A Tour of 'Strange New Worlds' Orbiting Other Stars
Dr. Eric Mamajek, NASA/JPL
May 9, 2026
8:00 – 10:00 pm
Sky’s The Limit Observatory & Nature Center
9697 Utah Trail, Twentynine Palms, CA
Reservations required; $25 per person
REGISTER HERE
That planets could exist around stars other than our Sun -- 'exoplanets' -- had been suspected for centuries and popularized in science fiction. Multiple technological advances have converged in recent decades, leading to the discovery of over 6000 exoplanets since the 1990s. The planets discovered thus far orbit a wide variety of types of stars, and some planet-like objects have been discovered which do not orbit a star at all. Dr. Mamajek will discuss some of the strangest examples of exoplanets yet discovered, and entire new classes of planets that are notably absent from our Solar System. He'll discuss the prospects for discoveries that expand the 'exoplanet zoo' with current NASA missions like James Webb Space Telescope, and future NASA missions like the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope and Habitable Worlds Observatory. The discovery of the vast range of exoplanets orbiting other stars has helped place our Solar System, and the development of life here on Earth, in a broader cosmic context.
Dr. Eric Mamajek is Deputy Program Chief Scientist of the NASA Exoplanet Exploration Program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. His scientific research contributes to the discoveries and characterization of planets orbiting other stars and supports the development of future NASA missions to discover potentially habitable planets orbiting the nearest stars. Eric earned his PhD in astronomy from the University of Arizona, a master's degree in physics from the University of New South Wales, and a bachelor's degree in astronomy & astrophysics, and physics from the Pennsylvania State University. Before starting at JPL in 2016, he was a Professor of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Rochester. He has contributed as author or coauthor to over 230 refereed articles on stars and their planetary systems.
WHAT TO WEAR? WHAT TO BRING?
All programs are outside under the awesome desert sky. There are bleachers and benches; guests should bring a cushion or, for special needs patrons, a camp chair. It can get quite cold at 2800 feet, so dress for unpredictable desert weather: bring a jacket and/or blanket. Be prepared with a warm hat, gloves, and boots, and extra layers. Wear closed-toed shoes.
Bring drinking water, and a red flashlight. No white light (including flashlights, cell phones, and flash photography) is welcome at night programs.
Please park in designated areas and do not let your car’s headlights shine toward the dome.
Be sure to download a free sky app in advance of coming.
Stellarium and Sky View Lite are two options.
Email us with any questions:
PLEASE NOTE: Night Sky Programs are held outdoors, and desert weather is unpredictable. Sky's The Limit will make every effort to provide a meaningful event, but rain, high winds, and other inclement weather may make a program impossible. In the event of cancellation for any reason, an alternative date will be offered.