Born in Las Vegas, Nevada and raised in Conyers, Georgia, Ray Garner has spent his whole life wondering about the Universe. After getting his B.S. in Physics from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, Ray went directly on to graduate school at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where he is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Astronomy. His thesis work involves observing and analyzing data on the Pinwheel Galaxy (M101) to understand its chemical and dynamical evolution.
Since 2017, Ray has been a volunteer with the NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassadors group, spreading the word about NASA's solar system science endeavors. As such, Ray has given numerous public talks around the country. Says Ray, "I have always been interested in the history of astronomy, learning how we know what we know and who did the discovering. It helps me appreciate my own work, knowing that I am only standing on the shoulders of others who have come before me." Outside of his astronomical studies, Ray enjoys reading, playing video games, and taking pictures of the beauty of nature.
Date: Wednesday, 7/20/2022
Time: 7:30 PM Eastern
Location: Martz-Kohl Observatory, 176 Robbins Hill Road, Frewsburg, NY 14738