7:00 – 8:00 General Meeting

Speaker: Vincent Ledvina
Website: https://theauroraguy.com/

Topic: Chasing the Aurora – Nature’s Most Spectacular Light Show.  The aurora is nature’s most spectacular light show and an example of space weather in action. Seeing the northern lights is a bucket list item, but how can you maximize your chances of witnessing and photographing this spectacular phenomenon? In this presentation, you will learn about aurora science, how to plan a trip to see the aurora, and what it takes to see northern lights in your own backyard. It’s solar maximum, and the time is NOW to cross “Seeing the Aurora” off your bucket list.

Bio: Vincent Ledvina is a Space Physics Ph.D. student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, but you may also know him as “The Aurora Guy.” Aside from researching what causes elusive “auroral beads,” Vincent is passionate about sharing his love for the northern lights with others. Part of this work involves leveraging citizen science data from aurora chasers who can provide valuable insights into how particularly rare auroras are created. Vincent also runs aurora photography workshops in Fairbanks and is a professional photographer. Outside of Alaska, Vincent is spending his third year with the Aerospace Corporation’s Space Sciences Applications Lab in El Segundo, CA as an intern. At Aerospace, Vincent is focusing on his Thesis work as well as investigating the effects of aurora on the electronics of low-flying spacecraft.

7:00 – 8:00 General Meeting

Speaker: Tom Polakis – East Valley Astronomy Club

Topic: All About Asteroids – Since the first asteroid was discovered in 1801, astronomers have used widely differing approaches to learn about their nature. Nearly all asteroids are point sources that show no details through the largest telescopes, so clever methods to determine their properties have evolved. These include photometry, radar imaging, and stellar occultations. Tom’s presentation about asteroids will range from historical discoveries to modern science.

Bio: Tom Polakis has been an active amateur astronomer for 48 years, during which has seen Saturn circle the sun 1 1/2 times. His main interests involve visual observing of all astronomical phenomena, and imaging of same with equipment ranging from a phone to a backyard observatory. He has a particular interest in describing the universe as an ever-changing entity. His writing and photography have regularly appeared in magazines such as “Astornomy” and “Sky & Telescope,” and more recently has been an author or co-author in refereed astronomical publications. He has given 14 presentations to EVAC since 1994.