Matt East - L3Harris
Abstract
Not long ago, astronomers wondered if planets orbited around other stars in the night sky. In recent decades it has become abundantly clear that “yes they do” and in fact it is rather common. Thousands of planets have been confirmed orbiting other stars. Now astronomers are wondering “Are any of these similar to earth? How similar? Are we alone? How do the conditions for life originate?” Enter the Habitable Worlds Observatory, which will answer these questions and more.
About the speaker
Matthew East is a Mission Architect at L3Harris’s Space and Airborne Systems in Rochester. His career began at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, developing the Lunar Laser Communication Demo, which shattered records for fastest communication between the Earth and Moon. At L3Harris, he develops stable telescope technologies to reveal parts of our universe that have never been seen before. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from Clarkson University.
Parking and location
The talk will be held in the Room 108 of Goergen Hall (Institute of Optics, 480 Intercampus Drive). Parking is available in the lot across the street in Intercampus Drive Lot, and is free for talk attendees (no pass needed).
Pre-talk dinner