Our Mission
Planet Talk’s goal is to increase awareness about Astronomy among the youth in our community. We aim to provide access to telescopes to middle and high schools, educate about local events and share the knowledge of role models through our speaker series. Our volunteers, donors and members help reduce the barrier for exploring astronomy or astrophysics as a career choice.
Founder's Message
Ever since I saw the NEOWISE comet on a stargazing trip with my parents, I got drawn to astronomy. I am fascinated by the vast expanse of our cosmos and the fact that we are still learning about the large unknown objects in space. My interest grew with the launch of the James Web Space Telescope (JWST) and the rich images being sent by it. The images sent by JWST gives us a glimpse of the early universe. Astronomy has been an active field recently with the discovery of many young galaxies and nebulae.
As the VP of my high school’s Astrophysics club, I realized how difficult it was for students like me, to have access to the latest developments in space. This includes access to role models, telescopes and even literature which can create the next generation of young scientists in Astrophysics. During my astrophysics club meetings, it was becoming apparent to me that it was hard to observe what we are discussing with simple stargazing events without access to telescopes. Besides this, I was the first girl elected into the leadership team in the history of the club’s existence, which was symbolic of the field represented mostly by men. Now, how great would it be to change this?
In order to reduce the barriers of entry to this exciting field for youth, I decided that we need to provide access to resources, telescopes and role models in this field. I formed this organization to provide this access to middle and high school students and also provide avenues for exposure to scientists via podcasts, and interviews.
Join me in Bringing the Universe Closer to Our Youth!
– Sanika Iyer
Speaker Series Podcasts
As part of our Speaker Series, we interviewed Prof. Kevin France from the department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder. Play the video to know more about his career path, his research on exoplanets, info on James Webb and his advice for our youth.
Prof. George Becker from the department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California Riverside focuses his research on intergalactic medium, cosmic reionization, quasar absorption lines, metal enrichment and dark matter . Listen to the video to know more insights and get inspired by his work.
Donate to Our Cause
It costs $150-$200 for a 90mm aperture astronomical refractor telescope. Our goal is to build/buy and donate 10 telescopes to 10 middle and high schools.
Your contributions enable us to donate telescopes to local middle and high schools for students interested in space and to provide access to events where professors and researchers can educate our youth.
Planet Talk is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit (EIN# 92-2950840) and all donations are tax-deductible. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
OUR TEAM
We are a team of motivated volunteers comprising of high school students and we are committed to helping provide access to telescopes and other Astronomical events to the youth in our community. We take our knowledge and dedication and turn them into action. Think you would be a good fit? Get in touch for more information!
PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Some of the programs we have conducted include:
- Star gazing events with high school students
- Volunteering and public program event coordination at the Lick Observatory
- Donation of telescopes to middle and high schools
- Speaker Series
Latest Blog Posts
New Year’s Eve Solar Flare
On New Year’s Eve, a powerful burst of energy created the largest solar flare that has been detected since 2017. A solar flare is an
Dark Stars
As predicted, the James Webb Space Telescope has continued to prove itself as a telescope to be reckoned with. It continues to make discoveries that
3D Printed Hearts in Space
Scientists are now developing 3D-printed hearts to be sent to the International Space Station. This paves the way for astronauts to travel deeper into space