Philcon 2018

Padi Boyd is the Chief of the Exoplanets and Stellar Astrophysics Laboratory in the Astrophysics Science Division, and the Project Scientist for the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) Mission (a NASA Explorer Mission launched in April 2018). She has been at Goddard since... Read More →

A member of The Chromatics, this year's musical guest of honor. As the bass-baritone and vocal percussionist, John composes unique ditties that make you think, laugh, and go "huh?" Some have even been performed at the Maryland Renaissance Festival by men in tights. Others are sung... Read More →

A member of The Chromatics, this year's musical guest of honor. Michelle is a singer and a teacher. Her background in vocal performance means she teaches us a thing or two at every rehearsal. And her ability to deal with middle-schoolers means she has no trouble with the Chromies... Read More →

A tenor-baritone, Scott was the first new Chromatic in 11 years, bringing another scientific mind to the group. He has a high energy groove, and a high frequency voice, but enjoys the occasional ballad when things get a little too excited. He's been writing original astronomy songs... Read More →

In addition to singing bass with the Chromatics, this year’s Musical Guests of Honor, Alan Smale writes alternate and twisted history, and occasional pure SF and fantasy. His novella of a Roman invasion of ancient America, “A Clash of Eagles”, won the Sidewise Award for Alternate... Read More →

A member of The Chromatics, this year's musical guest of honor. Karen sings tenor, alto and mezzo, and writes songs about the Sun and planets, as well as the occasional cautionary tale of gridlock. She also designs most of the group's cover art.