Michael Bruckner’s Earth and Space class got to experience a live Skype call today with astronomer Dr. Theodore Gull about his studies of the Eta Carinae star system.

Gull is a well-known astronomer who attended MIT to get his bachelor’s in physics. Gull went on to obtain his Ph.D. in astronomy from Cornell University.

Bruckner’s students are also studying the Eta Carinae star system, so during the Skype call Gull presented the information he found throughout his professional studies. The class was able to see parallels between the information they learned in class and the information Gull presented.

Senior Alex Kindling was one of the students who participated in the Skype call.

“It was very interesting to listen to an actual professional talk about the topic so in depth because in class we only get a basic understanding,” Kindling said. “It was insightful to see the connection between class and real life astronomy.”

Senior Tom Meyers was one of the students who was able to talk to Gull during the Skype call.

“I was very excited to speak with Dr. Gull, but I was also nervous to talk to him because he is so smart,” Meyers said.

Along with Gull’s previous research, he also informed the class of more recent findings.

“His information was fabulous and up to date as well as giving us something to look forward,” Bruckner said.