By Zana Tarsi

WESTPORT–The Westport Astronomical Society held the August edition of its monthly lecture series on Tuesday, August 18. This month’s lecture, which discussed the discovery of the new exoplanet Cooper-D, was presented by Michael Telesco, a New Canaan High School graduate, who will be attending Stanford University. Telesco is credited with the discovery of 30 new exoplanets, including Cooper-D, a Mars-sized planet with a roughly 150 day orbit, 

Telesco’s presentation was the latest installment of the monthly lecture series that the society has held for years. The lecture series brings scientists, researchers, and other experts to Westport to discuss a wide variety of topics, including astronomy, astrophysics, and citizen science. 

Over the years, the center has welcomed speakers from the country’s most predominant scientific institutions. Past speakers have included Stephon Alexander, who discussed the origins of structure in the universe; David DeVorkin, a senior curator emeritus at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum; Robert A. Simcoe, director of MIT’s Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research; and Caleb Scharf, a NASA senior scientist focused on astrobiology.

The monthly lectures are open to the public both in person as well as via Zoom and YouTube. The next lecture will take place on September 15th, where the observatory director Bob Meadows will give an annual report on the 90th Convention of Amateur Telescope Makers at Stellafane in Vermont, focusing on the latest innovations in amateur telescope making.