Title: Back by Popular Demand – Hubble Scientist Dr. Mitchell Revalski Returns for an Interview & Current Events Discussion

Event Info: After his highly engaging and well‑received presentation this past March, we are absolutely thrilled to welcome back Dr. Mitchell Revalski to our club on Wednesday, October 28th, 2026!

About Our Returning Speaker:
Dr. Mitchell Revalski is a Senior Staff Scientist on the Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) Team for the Hubble Space Telescope at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, Maryland. In this role, he works on a variety of instrument calibration projects and leads the DrizzlePac Help Desk, supporting astronomers who process Hubble data. His current research focuses on measuring the energetic impact of mass outflows in nearby active galaxies using Hubble data, as well as conducting deep surveys to measure the metallicities of low‑mass galaxies at intermediate redshifts. He has also conducted research into active galaxy variability and gravitational waves.

What to Expect This Time:
During his March visit, Dr. Revalski presented on his research. This time, we are taking a different approach. In an engaging interview‑style format, we will dive into the most exciting recent developments in astronomy, space exploration, and physics. The conversation will be followed by an open Q&A where you can ask your own questions.

Topics we plan to cover include:

Hubble Space Telescope News

• Hubble's 36th Anniversary: This past April, Hubble celebrated 36 years in space by releasing a stunning new image of the Trifid Nebula – a region it first photographed in 1997. The new view reveals changes in the nebula over human timescales and showcases the telescope's improved cameras.

• Hubble's Future – A Reboost Mission?: NASA recently announced that it is open to a commercial mission to reboost Hubble's orbit, provided the telescope's operating costs can be reduced. A successful reboost could extend Hubble's life and serve as a bridge to the upcoming Habitable Worlds Observatory.

• AI Uncovers Cosmic Anomalies: Using a neural network called AnomalyMatch, researchers sifted through nearly 100 million Hubble images and discovered over 800 never‑before‑documented cosmic objects, including colliding galaxies, gravitational lenses, and dozens of objects that defy easy classification.

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Milestones

• Exoplanet Atmosphere Breakthroughs: JWST detected distinct differences between the morning and evening atmospheres of the ultra‑hot gas giant WASP‑121b, confirming theoretical predictions about powerful winds transporting heat from the day to the night side.

• Dormant Black Hole Mass Measurement: Using JWST data combined with gravitational lensing, astronomers directly measured the mass of a dormant black hole 10 billion light‑years away – the most distant dormant black hole ever weighed.

And More!
We will also touch on other exciting developments, including JWST's studies of exoplanet atmospheres, new findings about galaxy evolution, and the latest from NASA's Artemis program and commercial spaceflight. As always, Dr. Revalski will be happy to answer your questions on any topic.

This promises to be another lively, insightful, and wide‑ranging conversation. Whether you attended his March talk or are hearing Dr. Revalski for the first time, you won't want to miss this chance to get an insider's perspective on the most exciting news from the cosmos.

Clear skies, and bring your curiosity!