Neighborhood Lecture with Phil Plait

Who is the "Bad Astronomer?"

Dr. Philip Plait, also known as "The Bad Astronomer," is an American astronomer, science communicator, and skeptic. With a PhD in astronomy from the University of Virginia, he has worked on the Hubble Space Telescope and contributed to NASA’s missions, specializing in astronomical phenomena like supernovae and gamma-ray bursts. Plait is the author of three popular science books—Bad Astronomy, Death from the Skies, and Under Alien Skies—and has been featured in several documentaries, including How the Universe Works. He also hosted Crash Course Astronomy and served as president of the James Randi Educational Foundation, advocating for scientific skepticism.

Plait has a passion for public outreach, using his blog and online platforms to debunk misconceptions about astronomy and promote science literacy. His work has been a popular cornerstone for both astronomy education and skepticism, as he continues to engage audiences with his accessible explanations and witty insights.