Disclaimer: I was unable to schedule a speaker and had lots of refusals due to
Eclipse preparation and attendance.
Speaker: Dr. Joseph Lazio (JPL) via NSN You Tube Channel
Topic: Science from Across the Solar System and Beyond: NASA’s Deep
Space Network
Abstract: Nearly every image of another planet that was taken by a NASA
spacecraft has been transmitted to us through one or more antennas of NASA’s
Deep Space Network (DSN). For almost the past 60 years, the DSN has been
guiding spacecraft to their destinations across the Solar System, sending them
commands for actions to take upon reaching their destinations, and receiving
the data back from them. Moreover, the DSN is a science instrument in its own
right. In this Webinar, I will review what the DSN is, how it enables NASA
missions throughout the Solar System and beyond, and illustrate some of the
scientific measurements that it makes on its own.
Bio: Joseph Lazio is the Interplanetary Network Directorate Scientist at the Jet
Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology. He received his Ph.D.
from Cornell University, was a National Research Council Research Associate at
the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, and was a Radio Astronomer on the staff
of the Naval Research Laboratory, before joining JPL
Format: Video from Night Sky Network (NSN) You Tube Channel
February 6th, 2024: “A Revolution in Planet Formation”
Speaker: Dr. Charles J Law 
Topic: A Revolution in Planet Formation: The ALMA Era and Beyond
Abstract: It has long been known that planets form out of the primordial gas and dust surrounding young stars. In particular, the outcomes of planet formation are of significant interest, not only to understand where our own Solar System came from, but to explain the vast number of diverse exoplanetary systems discovered over the past several decades. Despite this, until recently, many of the details of this process were still unknown. With the advent of a new generation of telescopes such as ALMA and JWST, groundbreaking images have now begun to reveal this process in unprecedented detail for the first time. In this talk, I will discuss our current understanding of the planet formation process, present recent observational findings, and briefly touch on what the future holds for studies of planet formation.
Bio: Charles Law is a postdoctoral researcher and NASA Sagan Fellow at the University of Virginia, having previously completed both his undergraduate studies and PhD in astrophysics at Harvard University. His research focuses on the chemistry of star and planet formation. He uses observations from radio telescopes such as the Atacama Large Millimeter/sub millimeter Array (ALMA) to characterize the chemical environments in which young planets are forming. As an AAS Astronomy Ambassador, Charles is also interested in science communication and is invested in increasing access and promoting engagement in astronomy and STEM fields.
Format: ZOOM Presentation
Full Moon Rising Star Party @ El Mirage Library
EL MIRAGE LIBRARY – FULL MOON RISING STAR PARTY!
This event is open to the public.
Come to the El Mirage Library to see the first full moon rising of the new year!
A tutorial about how to use telescopes will be followed by a viewing of the full moon
and other celestial objects with the help of the West Valley Astronomy Club.
5:30 – 6:00 pm There will be a short talk to introduce the Library Telescope Program telescope – available for check out!
6:00 – 7:00 pm Telescopes will be provided by the West Valley Astronomy Club to view the moon & other celestial objects.
El Mirage Library Calendar: Event Notice
El Mirage Library Website: El Mirage Library
Time: 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Host: Mat Sanders
Star Party at Traditional Academy
New Traditional Academy science fair was taking place and we were asked if the club could provide some telescopes for the students and adults to view the moon.
We were fortunate to not only have a large break in the clouds during the event, but also the ability to see the Moon, Jupiter and Saturn. The evening was cool but no wind and a great place to setup for the event. What a wonderful turn out around 319 visitors attended the event.
January 2nd 2024 “Astro-biology”
Speaker: Joshua Abbatiello
Topic: Astro-biology from its beginnings as a field to current.
Bio: Josh Abbatiello has a Bachelor’s of Science in geology and is currently a PhD. Candidate (geology as well) at the University of South Florida. In the broadest sense, (he says) he is a biogeochemist. He uses techniques of biology, geology, and chemistry to understand the element phosphorus. He studies how phosphorus pertains to the origin of the earliest molecules billions of years ago and its immense importance to us today. He also relates that information to determining potential for life on other planets.
Format: ZOOM Presentation (not recorded)