Meet a Poet-Turned-Astronomer at the Martz-Kohl Observatory

Ever looked up at the night sky and wondered how we actually decode the mysteries of stars trillions of miles away? On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 7:30 PM, the Martz-Kohl Observatory invites the community to a welcoming presentation titled “The Study of Stars: Tools of Discovery and How We Use Them.” Guest speaker Dr. Alexandra Yep will demystify the lifecycles of stars and the incredible technology astronomers use to study them, sharing real science in a way that is accessible to everyone. Dr. Yep brings a unique perspective to the evening as a poet-turned-astronomer, having earned a creative writing degree before pursuing her Ph.D. in astronomy. Today, she is a visiting assistant professor of physics and astronomy at Agnes Scott College in Georgia, where she actively conducts research on young star clusters and guides the next generation of scientists as the director of the historic Bradley Observatory. Notably, her breakthrough research into stellar environments led to her discovering multiple new star clusters, making her only the second woman in history to receive the honor of having clusters named after her.

Neighbors can attend the presentation live at the observatory, located at 176 Robbin Hill Rd in Frewsburg, or connect from home via Zoom. Admission is free, though donations to support the non-profit facility are gratefully appreciated. The evening kicks off at 7:30 PM and includes a casual Q&A session with Dr. Yep, followed by guided tours of the facility led by the observatory's dedicated team. If the skies are clear, the event will conclude with an opportunity to view the night sky firsthand through the observatory's large-aperture telescopes. Visitors are reminded to dress for the local weather, as the telescope domes are not climate-controlled. For the Zoom link and additional information, please visit martzobservatory.org.

The Martz-Kohl Observatory is operated by the Marshal Martz Memorial Astronomical Association, Inc., a volunteer-run, non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a deep community appreciation for the night sky. Beyond hosting public lecture series, the association actively supports amateur astronomy through hands-on observational research and robust educational outreach initiatives. The facility and its specialized equipment are fully maintained by these local volunteers, whose mission is to make real scientific discovery open, welcoming, and accessible to the public.