Join the OVLC for our second All About Ojai of 2023, featuring Dr. Jon Swift!
Saturday, March 18
6-8 pm
The Thacher School, Milligan Center
Join us for an awe-inspiring evening as we delve into the wonders of the pristine night sky! Often overlooked, the star-filled sky above us is a precious natural resource that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of our natural and human ecosystems. In the Ojai Valley, we are fortunate to have a Dark Sky Ordinance that safeguards the ecological and aesthetic value of our surrounding natural landscapes, including Ojai Valley Land Conservancy's majestic preserves and the Los Padres National Forest.
In this community talk held indoors at Thacher’s Milligan Center, you'll discover how our connection to the night sky has influenced human evolution, and uncover the mysteries of our cosmic origin story as we follow lines of scientific discovery. Be prepared to be amazed as we share scientific insights and breathtaking images of the night sky that we have been able to glean from the back corner of this unique valley.
Whether you're an avid stargazer or simply curious about the wonders of the universe, this talk is guaranteed to expand your appreciation for the beauty and significance of our dark skies. So don't miss out, join us for a mesmerizing evening exploring the stars!
Jon Swift was born in New York but grew up surfing and playing sports in North County San Diego. His first loves are poetry and music. However, Jon’s fascination with the natural world led him into the fields of astronomy and astrophysics, where he has published research in several areas of specialization, including cosmology, star formation, exoplanets, and astronomical instrumentation. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from UCLA with a BS in physics, and earned an MA and a PhD in astronomy & astrophysics from UC Berkeley. At the Thacher School, Jon redesigned and renovated the campus observatory which now includes a fully automated, research-grade telescope. In addition to directing the observatory and maintaining a vibrant astronomy program where students are able to participate in relevant research, Jon teaches astronomy, physics, mathematics, and data science. Outside the classroom, Jon has developed the Thacher surfing program, which he coaches in the fall. Jon lives on the Thacher campus with his wife Gloria, daughter Annika, and son Ansel.
