Kamiyama Institute for Space Science Director Inaugural Lecture: World-renowned Astronomer Jun-ichi Watanabe Discusses the Charm of "Interstellar Objects" and Comets

Kyoto Sangyo University's Kamiyama Astronomical Observatory will hold an inaugural lecture on April 25, 2026 (Saturday), to commemorate the appointment of Dr. Jun-ichi Watanabe as the Director of the Kamiyama Institute for Space Science on April 1, 2026. This lecture will feature a special talk on the latest research on "interstellar objects" and a discussion between the new and former directors of the Kamiyama Institute for Space Science, sharing insights into the charm of comets, including the forefront of comet research and secret observation stories.

【Key points of this matter】 ・This is a lecture commemorating the appointment of world-renowned astronomer Dr. Jun-ichi Watanabe as the Director of the Kamiyama Institute for Space Science on April 1, 2026.

・A commemorative lecture will be held to explain the characteristics of "interstellar objects," which have been attracting attention in recent years, and the latest observation results that are being revealed through successive discoveries.

・The new and former directors of the Kamiyama Institute for Space Science will take the stage for a special project, discussing the charm of comets and secret observation stories from the perspective of researchers who have been at the forefront of comet research for many years.

Kamiyama Institute for Space Science Director Inaugural Lecture Chase the Wanderers of Space! - Interstellar Objects Coming into View -

【Event Outline】 ・Date and Time: Saturday, April 25, 2026, 13:00-15:00 (Doors open 12:30) ・Venue: Campus Plaza Kyoto, Lecture Room 2 ・Content: ①【13:00-14:30】 Lecture "Chase the Wanderers of Space! - Interstellar Objects Coming into View -" Lecturer: Jun-ichi Watanabe ②【14:30-15:00】 Discussion "New and Former Directors Talk About Comets" Speakers: Jun-ichi Watanabe, Hideyo Kawakita ・Details: https://www.kyoto-su.ac.jp/news/news-002686.html

Speaker Profiles: Jun-ichi Watanabe Director, Kamiyama Institute for Space Science, Kyoto Sangyo University / Specially Appointed Professor After serving at the University of Tokyo Graduate School, University of Tokyo Tokyo Astronomical Observatory, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) as Senior Professor, and Professor at SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), he assumed his current position in April 2026. His specialty is small solar system bodies such as comets and meteors. He served as Vice President of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) for six years and was involved in the creation of the concept of "dwarf planets." He has authored numerous books.

Hideyo Kawakita Professor, Faculty of Science, Kyoto Sangyo University / Deputy Director, Kamiyama Institute for Space Science Graduated from Kyoto University. After serving at Gunma Astronomical Observatory, etc., he assumed his current position. He researches the origin of the solar system from comet materials and molecular formation in nova explosions. He has received the Zeldovich Award and the Nishida Award.

<Event Information> Kamiyama Institute for Space Science Director Inaugural Lecture Chase the Wanderers of Space! - Interstellar Objects Coming into View - Jun-ichi Watanabe, Director, Kamiyama Institute for Space Science, Kyoto Sangyo University / Specially Appointed Professor Hideyo Kawakita, Professor, Faculty of Science, Kyoto Sangyo University / Deputy Director, Kamiyama Institute for Space Science