Luke Keller

Professor, Physics and Astronomy
School: School of Humanities and Sciences

Science for Everyone

Experiencing the unfolding of something larger than us is what I love about sharing astronomy with the general public. I experience those moments with each presentation, each group, each performance—discovering them again with my audience as if for the first time. An important theme woven through all of my science outreach and public speaking is communicating and inspiring a deep appreciation for the process of science and and how it enhances our aesthetic encounters with the natural world.

Since the dawn of time, artists and scientists have looked into the heavens for a sense of understanding and awe. The Effects of Gravity lies directly at that intersection, blurring the line between scientific inquiry and exploration, and the breathtaking awe of the universe that spurs creativity and the numinous. Our audiences loved it, and so will yours."

Chris Silva, Executive Director, The Bardavon 1869 Opera House

Luke Keller at telescope at April 2024 eclipse

On April 8, 2024, people along a path from Mexico to Newfoundland experienced a total solar eclipse. The Adirondack Park witnessed a three-minute totality with clear conditions. I spoke to a capacity crowd as a guest expert at the Adirondack Interpretative Center on the State University of New York Environmental and Forestry campus and led a viewing in Newcomb, New York. 

Public Science at Lime Hollow and Beyond

For the past 13 years, I've been a member of the board of directors at Lime Hollow Nature Center in Cortlandville, New York. I work closely with Lime Hollow's naturalist and day camp staff on star-gazing events for summer campers and their families. We've developed a program for local primary schools that combines nature-themed storytelling with an appreciation of the cycles of energy in nature.

Luke Keller speaks with IC student during solar observation

I'm a popular public speaker, invited to give presentations and lead astronomy events throughout New York State.

Recent Hosts

Lime Hollow Science and Suds (co-organizer) | Public Works at the Downstairs (Ithaca, NY) | Kopernik Observatory and Science Center (Vestal, NY) | SUNY ESF Adirondack Interpretative Center (Newcomb, NY) | Timberlock Adirondack Camp (Indian Lake, NY) | Waltonwood Senior Living (Ashburn, VA) | Public Schools (Tompkins and Cortland County, NY)

Media and Public Engagement

All audiences—from elementary school students, to undergraduates, to the general public—benefit from understanding the process of science and how we learn about the universe. Conveying this process in terms anyone can understand is at the heart of my talks and writing for the general public.

Medium.com: Blog

"At the Cosmic Origins Café, I serve engaging and challenging ideas about our cosmic origins using all-natural, math-free ingredients. I invite readers to ask the question: How do we know what we know about the universe?"

The Conversation: October 2023 Essay

"As an astronomer studying how planets form around distant stars, I felt excited watching the broadcast of that Bennu sample descending to the Utah desert—and a little envious. Those of us who study distant young solar systems can’t send robotic spacecraft to get a closer look at them, let alone grab a sample for laboratory analysis. Instead, we rely on remote observations."

Connect with Luke Keller

Interested in planning a classroom visit or public talk? Reach out by email.