In the world of science and entertainment, there’s nothing like Starmus. Founded by astronomer Garik Israelian and his close friend astronomer and guitarist Brian May, founding member of Queen, the festival periodically presents a celebration of what we know about the cosmos like no other event.
On April 1–2, 2025, Starmus — the word coming from “stars” and “music” — will come to America with a two-day event at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The event will feature panel discussions and talks by Nobel Prize-winning scientists, astronauts, and explorers, and music from some of the most talented artists in the world of rock ‘n’ roll.
Presenters will include Starmus Founder Garik Israelian, Astronomy Editor David Eicher (who will serve as host), astronaut Chris Hadfield, physicist Kip Thorne, chemist and Nobel Prize laureate Jack Szostak, President of the National Academy of Sciences Marcia McNutt, astrophysicist Mario Livio, astronaut Nicole Stott, painter and photographer Lia Halloran, and choreographer, dancer, and actress Debbie Allen, and entertainer David Zambuka.
Musicians who will perform include keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Alice Cooper, Billy Idol, Joe Bonamassa), guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (Guns N’ Roses, Sons of Apollo), bassist Tony Franklin (Jimmy Page, Paul Rodgers, Whitesnake), and drummer Vincent Appice (Dio, Black Sabbath).
Details of the program and ticket availability are on the Kennedy Center web site. Read more about Starmus — Cosmic Beginnings and Mysteries: Exploring Life’s Origins and the Depths of Gravity, Apr. 1, 5 P.M., here: https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/explore-by-genre/discussion/2024-2025/starmus-cosmic-beginnings/
Read more about Earth to Space and Starmus launch, Apr. 1, 8 P.M., here: https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/explore-by-genre/international/2024-2025/earth-to-space-launch/
Read more about the showing of the Starmus VI Film, Apr. 2, 6:30 P.M., here: https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/explore-by-genre/film/2024-2025/starmus-vi-film/
We look forward to seeing you at the Kennedy Center in Washington this spring!
David J. Eicher is Editor-in-Chief of Astronomy and a member of the Starmus Festival Board.
