More than a century, Harvard astronomers have delved into some of the most compelling puzzles in the cosmos. From the successful hunt for alien worlds to the surprise discovery of dark energy, Harvard researchers and their students have made a bold imprint on the field.

At the same time, the Harvard Department of Astronomy has upheld a century-old tradition of exceptional graduate students and faculty. The departments graduates have become distinguished scientists and leaders in their respective specialties.

Journalists are invited to attend a reunion of Graduate Alumni of Harvard Astronomy. Two spirited panel discussions will focus on areas of astronomical research with seminal Harvard contributions: testing Einsteins theory of gravity, and extrasolar planets and life.

Date: Friday, April 5, 2013 Time: 12:00 - 6:30 p.m. Location: Sheraton Commander Hotel, 16 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA Website: http://www.gsas.harvard.edu/alumni_events/a-celebration-of-harvard-astronomy.php

Participants will include two Nobel laureates and a variety of distinguished researchers, all Harvard alumni. A full list of participants is available at the website above.

This event also will include a luncheon featuring a historical review of astronomy at Harvard by Owen Gingerich, Emeritus Professor of Astronomy and of the History of Science. Tickets to the luncheon are $30 per person.

Conference registration is free to credentialed journalists. To register, visit http://www.events.harvard.edu/profile/web/index.cfm?PKWebId=0x934931a3 and click on the link at upper right.

Journalists can obtain free registration by selecting the PhD/postdoc option at the bottom of the page. Instead of department/degree/year, please list your affiliation.

You are urged to register soon because the registration cap has nearly been reached. Seating is limited, and admission will be on a first come first serve basis.

This conference is hosted by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University.

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Meet Research Luminaries at Celebration of Harvard Astronomy