The solar system began as a huge cloud of gas and dust that, over billions of years, became the sun, the planets, comets, asteroids and more. How did that happen? And what does the solar system look like today?

We've been sending space probes around the solar system for decades to try to answer these questions. In this presentation we'll look at some of their results. How did the sun form? Why did the planets take their present form and in their present position – rocky planets like the Earth, then gas giants like Jupiter, then ice giants like Neptune? What's beyond Neptune? Why is there an enormous reservoir of potential comets surrounding the solar system. And, of course, what happened to Pluto?

We'll also look at some of the weirder aspects of those planets as well. The largest volcano in the solar system on Mars. Volcanoes that erupt ice on some of Jupiter's moons. A storm on Saturn shaped like a hexagon. And more.

In this presentation, by Neil Perlin of the Lamoille County Star Gazers, we'll look at all of these questions and features. Please join us at the Morrisville library on Tuesday, April 11, from 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM.

May 11, 2024, 9 to 11 AM

May 12, 2024, 7:30 to 11:30 AM

May 14, 2024, 5:30 to 9 PM