EDUCATION/EXPLORATION/RECREATION

Psyche: Journey to a Metal World. Dr. David Williams, ASU

March 7, 2023 Dr. David Williams – Research Professor School of Earth and Space Exploration Arizona State University

Topic: Psyche: Journey to a Metal World. The Psyche mission is a journey to a unique metal-rich asteroid orbiting the sun between Mars and Jupiter. What makes the asteroid Psyche unique is that it appears to be the exposed nickel-iron core of an early planet, one of the building blocks of our solar system. Psyche offers a unique window into the violent history of collisions and accretion that created terrestrial planets.

Omuamua extra solar system object. Dr. Steve Desch Professor of Astrophysics at ASU

February 7, 2023 Dr. Steve Desch professor of astrophysics in the School of Earth and Space Exploration at ASU

Topic: Omuamua extra solar system object. The first confirmed object from another star to visit our solar system, this interstellar interloper appears to be a rocky, cigar-shaped object with a somewhat reddish hue. The object, named ‘Oumuamua by its discoverers, is up to one-quarter mile (400 meters) long and highly-elongated—perhaps 10 times as long as it is wide. That aspect ratio is greater than that of any asteroid or comet observed in our solar system to date. While its elongated shape is quite surprising, and unlike objects seen in our solar system, it may provide new clues into how other solar systems formed. 






        

            

                                                


                    
                    

                        
WV by Paul Satkowski 2 7 2033 DSC_7457_01
DSC_7449_01
DSC_7448_01
DSC_7441_01
DSC_7434_01
DSC_7433_01
By Paul Satkowski 3 7 2033 DSC_7424_01
20230207_191051
20230207_190809
WV 2 7 2033 by Paul Satkowski x
                    


                                    

            

        

        
previous arrow
next arrow

 

 

Robert Burnham, Jr. and His Celestial Handbook. Kevin Schindler Historian/PIO Lowell Observatory

January 3, 2023. Kevin Schindler Historian/PIO Lowell Observatory

Topic: Robert Burnham, Jr. and His Celestial Handbook. Robert Burnham, Jr. compiled one of the most popular astronomy books ever—the three-volume observing bible, Burnham’s Celestial Handbook—while working at Lowell Observatory in the mid-20th century. Yet Burnham’s life was enigmatic. In this program, Kevin Schindler will take a look at this complicated man who brought the wonders of space to people around the world.

 

Lunar Observations. Don Wrigley, EVAC (East Valley Astronomy Club)

Don Wrigley, EVAC (East Valley Astronomy Club).

Don has been a serious lunar observer for nearly 60 years, a member of EVAC for 30 years. Topic: Lunar Observation. A lunar tour, going from maria to maria (from sea to shining sea?) showing and describing the various points of interest, which includes objects of scientific interest, or objects which are just aesthetically pleasing. Also includes many objects which present observational challenges, due either to their small size or the special lighting conditions. All areas are observable with a good 3” refractor.