Each year, the Charles W. Brown Planetarium presents an annual Astronomy Slam! Just 10 minutes a person—that is all the time Ball State students get to share a piece of our universe with guests. During this event, students use planetarium visuals to help them present in the most creative way they can while competing for the title of Astronomy Slam Champion!

Astronomy Slam

Through the Astronomy Slam, we aim to…

  • Give students a place to share their passion for astronomy in a non-threatening atmosphere.
  • Provide an opportunity for friendly competition and discussion between students.
  • Award and recognize dedicated students.
  • Provide the community with unique inspiring, educational programming.

“It was so well done; my friends were thrilled I introduced this gem to them. If you are looking to impress your friends, family, or donors, take them to the Astronomy Slam…”

-Cathy Spieth, September 2021

Audience members vote on the presentations in real time, and student presenters walk away with one of the following awards: Astronomy Slam Champion, Most Visually Engaging presentation, Best Energy, and Most Thought-Provoking presentation. These awards have been a key feature of the Astronomy Slam since the first competition in 2020. 

Interested in being a student presenter? Fill out the presenter application form for your chance to compete.

 

Astronomy Slam Trophies

Astronomy Slam Champions
  • "Black Holes & Why They Don’t Actually Suck," Mya Shelton, 2023
  • "The Search for Another Earth," Kyree Standifer, 2022
  • “To Infinity and Beyond Our Solar System,” Nicolette Terracciano, 2021
  • “The Sound of Science,” Melanie Isenbarger, 2020
  • "Revelio Astra: The Astronomy of Harry Potter," Caleb Whitcomb, 2023
  • "A Tour of the Night Sky," Kenya Cole, 2022
  • “A Cosmic Where’s Waldo,” Madeline Shepley, 2021
  • “Eclipsing Binary Stars,” Alec Neal, 2020
  • "Fascinations of Constellations and Auroras," Hailey Sebring, 2023
  • "Constellation Warp: Breaking Through the Celestial Sphere," Madeline Shepley, 2022
  • “Stars: A Lego Factory,” Greg Gallagher, 2021
  • “The End of All Things,” Richard Gorby, 2020
  • "Beyond Our Blue Dot: Navigating the Exoplanetary Frontier," Cole Grimes, 2023
  • "The Life Cycle of Stars," Caleb Whitcomb, 2022
  • “Black Holes: The Point of No Return,” Caleb Whitcomb, 2021
  • “Women in Astronomy,” Belle Wines, 2020