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RASC Vancouver Monthly Meeting November 14, 2024

Date:  Thursday, November 14th, 2024 at 7:30 PM

Topic: The Science of the Aurora (and how YOU can help)!

Speaker: Vincent “The Aurora Guy” Ledvina

Location: AQ3149 in the Quad at SFU Burnaby Mountain Campus
           Here is a link to the SFU room finder:  
https://roomfinder.sfu.ca/apps/sfuroomfinder_web/?q=AQ3149

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 second 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.

Abstract: Solar maximum and aurora season are here! This year, we will be experiencing the most active Sun in twenty years which means more chances of seeing gorgeous auroral displays. Recent severe space weather has driven views of the aurora to low latitudes, and more intense activity may be right around the corner. In this presentation, you will learn everything you need to become an aurora chaser, the exciting frontier of northern lights science, and how YOU can help.

Meet-up Link: https://www.meetup.com/astronomy-131/events/303983034/

RASC Vancouver Monthly Meeting October 10, 2024

Date:  Thursday, October 10th, 2024 at 7:30 PM

Topic: The Enchantment of Evening Twilight

Speaker: Vicky Derksen

Location: AQ3149 in the Quad at SFU Burnaby Mountain Campus
           Here is a link to the SFU room finder:  
https://roomfinder.sfu.ca/apps/sfuroomfinder_web/?q=AQ3149

Bio: Vicky Derksen fell in love with the night sky while teaching naked-eye astronomy to students in Fountain Hills, Arizona. In 2019, she launched Night Sky Tourist. She hosts a podcast with topics about night sky destinations, stargazing experiences, cultural astronomy, and dark sky preservation, and owns a local stargazing company. She’s also writing a book about night sky experiences on Highway 89 from Mexico to Canada. Vicky is the Past-President of the Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association, helping her community gain certification as an International Dark Sky Community and hosting an annual Dark Sky Festival. She serves on the board for the International Dark Sky Discovery Center, a 23,000-square-foot facility in Fountain Hills that broke ground in April 2024. She’s also an Advocate with DarkSky International. You can find her online at NightSkyTourist.com.

Abstract: As the sun sets each day, an incredible transition unfolds in nature. The plants, animals, and sky bid farewell to the day shift and welcome the night shift. Sometimes, we live such busy lives that we tend to ignore this magical time of evening by staying indoors. However, experiencing all three stages of twilight can be a powerful way to unwind and connect with nature in a way that’s unique to that small window in the evening. Join me in this presentation to discover the potential for a truly memorable twilight experience that you’ll want to relive again and again.

Meet-up Link: https://www.meetup.com/astronomy-131/events/302091664/

RASC Vancouver Monthly Meeting September 12, 2024

Date:  Thursday, September 12th, 2024 at 7:30 PM

Topic: New insights into Novae

Speaker: Elias Aydi, PhD; NASA Hubble Fellow

Location: AQ3159 in the Quad at SFU Burnaby Mountain Campus
           Here is a link to the SFU room finder:  
https://roomfinder.sfu.ca/apps/sfuroomfinder_web/?q=AQ3159

Bio: Elias Aydi is an Assistant Professor at the Physics and Astronomy department at Texas Tech University. He got his PhD from the University of Cape Town and the South African Astronomical Observatory in 2018. Elias’s main research interest involves multiwavelength and time-domain astronomy, focusing on transient phenomena, particularly nova eruptions and he was awarded the prestigious NASA Hubble Fellowship in 2022 to explore novae and decipher their emission processes. He is also very interested in public engagement and promoting astronomy to the public.

Abstract: With NASA’s Fermi gamma-ray telescope establishing novae as a new class of gamma-ray sources in our Galaxy, we are harnessing multiwavelength observations from a multitude of facilities to rewrite the textbooks and re-evaluate our understanding of how novae work. These multiwavelength observational efforts will culminate with the awaited upcoming eruption of the recurrent nova T Coronae Borealis (T CrB). Lying at a distance of only 2900 light year away, the eruption of T CrB will reach naked eye brightness, providing astronomers and citizen scientists with a chance to study novae with unprecedented details.

Meet-up Link: https://www.meetup.com/astronomy-131/events/301615397/

RASC Vancouver Monthly Meeting July 11th, 2024

Date:  Thursday, July 11th, 2024 at 7:30 PM

Topic: Project SOS (Starhopping on Steroids). Join our President as he reveals a project that he has been working on for years over thousands of hours.

Speaker: Robert Conrad (President RASC Vancouver)

Location: AQ3159 in the Quad at SFU Burnaby Mountain Campus
           Here is a link to the SFU room finder:  
https://roomfinder.sfu.ca/apps/sfuroomfinder_web/?q=AQ3159


Bio: Robert Conrad is currently the President, Observing Director and Education Co-director of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (@ Vancouver). He has taught two courses at SFU through their continuing education program and offers frequent online courses and workshops on Observational Astronomy. His area of focus is teaching the art and science behind starhopping, a method used to locate celestial objects and how to locate comets and asteroids. Outside of astronomy he is an avid wildlife and mountain photographer as well as a learning and development and educational consultant.

Abstract: During this presentation Robert will walk through the resources that are the result of this project (all guides will be available to all attendees via a link). He will also talk about the types of objects that an observer can view. In addition, he will describe how to use the resources and provide tips and tricks that will greatly enhance your observing or imaging experience.

Meet-up Link: https://www.meetup.com/astronomy-131/events/301615374/

RASC Vancouver Monthly Meeting June 13th, 2024

Date:  Thursday, June 13th, 2024 at 7:30 PM

Topic: NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft: Unravelling planet-formation and searching for a second Kuiper Belt.

Speaker: Dr. JJ Kavelaars

Location: AQ3159 in the Quad at SFU Burnaby Mountain Campus
           Here is a link to the SFU room finder:  
https://roomfinder.sfu.ca/apps/sfuroomfinder_web/?q=AQ3159


Bio: Dr. JJ Kavelaars is a Principle Research Officer at the National Research Council of Canada’s Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre, and the Head of the Canadian Astronomy Data Centre. Dr. Kavelaars searches the sky for outer solar system objects and has discovered dozens of satellites of the giant planets and over 1000 minor planets in the distant solar system. He is a co-lead of the Canada-France Ecliptic Plan Survey and the Outer Solar System Origin Survey and co-investigator on NASA’s New Horizons Kuiper Extended Mission. In 2022 Dr. Kavelaars won the Canadian Astronomical Society’s Dunlap Award for Innovation in Astronomical Instrumentation and Software in recognition of his contributions to the development of digital research infrastructure in astronomy, and the NRC Dan Wayner Award for outstanding achievement in Science and Technology in recognition of his contributions to the understanding our outer solar system.

Abstract: The New Horizons spacecraft flew past Pluto and the small Kuiper Belt object Arrokoth. The spacecraft is now nearly 60 astronomical units from the Sun and continuing to explore the outer solar system. Dr. Kavelaars will highlight what we think we have learned about planet formation from this mission, and what we still hope to discover about the very distant solar system.

Meet-up Link: https://www.meetup.com/astronomy-131/events/299223013/

RASC Vancouver Monthly Meeting May 9th, 2024

Date:  Thursday, May 9th, 2024 at 7:30 PM

Topic: Lucy in the Sky with Trojans: Fossils of the Early Solar System

Speaker: Jennie King, NASA Solar System Ambassador

Location: AQ3159 in the Quad at SFU Burnaby Mountain Campus
           Here is a link to the SFU room finder:  
https://roomfinder.sfu.ca/apps/sfuroomfinder_web/?q=AQ3159


Bio: Jennie “Starstuff” King is a graduate of the University of Virginia’s astronomy program. While studying astronomy and physics, she discovered her deep love of science education through work with elementary school students. As a high school AP Physics and Engineering teacher in Colorado, she brought her love of space exploration to the classroom. Jennie became a NASA-JPL Solar System Ambassador in order to encourage others to explore the wonders of the cosmos with their hearts, minds and imaginations. In addition to volunteering with NASA, Jennie now works as the Manager of Educator Programs at Science World in Vancouver, a role which allows her to continue sparking scientific curiosity and a love of STEAM learning.

Abstract: NASA’s Lucy mission, launched in October 2021, is the first space mission dedicated to studying Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids. These ancient bodies are trapped in two “swarms”, one orbiting behind and the other ahead of the planet Jupiter. Over the course of its twelve-year mission, Lucy aims to explore an unprecedented number of asteroids in order to uncover clues about the early solar system. Just as the early hominin fossil of the same name led to deeper understanding of humanity’s origins, the Lucy mission aims to shed light on planetary evolution. Join NASA Solar System Ambassador and self-proclaimed space rock enthusiast Jennie “Starstuff” King as we explore the science of Lucy’s journey to these fascinating fossils of the early solar system.

Meet-up Link: https://www.meetup.com/astronomy-131/events/299407477/

RASC Vancouver Monthly Meeting April 11, 2024

Date:  Thursday, April 11, 2024 at 7:30 PM

Topic: A Planet Hunter’s Guide to the Galaxy

Speaker: Dr. Michelle Kunimoto

Location: AQ3159 in the Quad at SFU Burnaby Mountain Campus
           Here is a link to the SFU room finder:  
https://roomfinder.sfu.ca/apps/sfuroomfinder_web/?q=AQ3159


Bio: Michelle Kunimoto is a postdoctoral fellow at MIT and is an expert on discovering and characterizing strange new worlds outside of the Solar System. She aims to understand the demographics and diversity of exoplanets, especially in the context of the search for potentially habitable Earth-like worlds. Across all of her planet-hunting endeavours, Dr. Kunimoto has found over 3000 planets and planet candidates. She received her PhD in Astronomy from UBC Vancouver in 2020, and will be joining the university as a faculty member later this year.

Abstract: Discoveries of planets outside of the Solar System (“exoplanets”) have exploded over the last couple decades, and exoplanet science is one of the fastest growing fields of astronomy today. In this talk, I will cover how we find exoplanets, how we identify those that are potentially habitable, and how anyone can take part in the hunt – even you, from the comfort of your own home!​

Can’t attend in person?
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81087386674?pwd=T0hYc3I0eG5PQ3d4WG82dk5zT3JRdz09

Learn more here: https://www.meetup.com/astronomy-131/events/299407455/

RASC Vancouver Monthly Meeting March 14, 2024

Date:  Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 7:30 PM

Topic: “Show and Telescope” Explanations, Setup, and Demonstrations of the most popular amateur telescope types.

Location: AQ3159 in the Quad at SFU Burnaby Mountain Campus
           Here is a link to the SFU room finder:  
https://roomfinder.sfu.ca/apps/sfuroomfinder_web/?q=AQ3159
This is an in-person event this month that is not well suited for online.


Our new President (observing and starhopping guru) will start off with a 30 minute lecture on the “Must know” when it comes to observing with telescopes, regardless of the type. This will be followed by a demonstration of various types of telescopes and mounts.

Presenters are experienced amateur astronomers with an impressive number of years of astronomy amongst us. One of us is a lifetime RASC member and he will be demonstrating a very fine instrument from his early astronomy days that he still uses and often brings to SFU for Starry Nights.

Telescope types will include, short fast telescopes, long focal length telescopes, refractors, reflectors, compound types, Newtonians. You will see Equatorial Mounts, Altitude/Azimuth mounts, Dobsonians, homemade telescopes and computer mounts. Discussion will include advantages and tradeoffs of the different types.

After the telescope presentations, attendees are invited to the stage to view the scopes and speak to each of the presenters about their telescope. You will see set up and collimation explained. It is an opportunity to ask questions and learn about what might be the right next telescope for you. We plan to have some fun comparing and discussing with each other different telescope mount and optic types.

Looking forward to seeing you on Thursday March 14th. That night the 23% illuminated moon will be right next to the Pleiades which will make for a beautiful backdrop for the evening!

More Information: https://www.meetup.com/astronomy-131/events/298520124/

RASC Vancouver Paul Sykes Memorial Lecture – February 9, 2024

Join us on Friday, February 9th at 7:30 pm for our annual Paul Sykes Memorial Lecture! 

FREE Event tickets can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paul-sykes-lecture-dr-tanya-harrison-geologist-planetary-scientist-tickets-798196756987

Location: Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Mountain Campus: AQ3181 – Click to locate on SFU Room Finder
Topic: What’s Up on Mars?
Speaker: Dr. Tanya Harrison

Bio: Dr. Tanya Harrison is the Co-Founder and CEO of the Earth and Planetary Institute of Canada (EPIC). She has worked as a scientist and mission operations specialist on multiple NASA missions to Mars, including the Opportunity, Curiosity, and Perseverance rovers, and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, and is now the Principal Investigator for one of the camera systems on the Canadian Space Agency’s upcoming lunar rover mission. Bridging worlds, as well as sectors in the space ecosystem, Tanya was previously the Director of Strategic Science Initiatives at Planet, and the Director of Research for Arizona State University’s NewSpace Initiative. In addition to her role at EPIC, she is currently a Fellow of the University of British Columbia’s Outer Space Institute. Tanya holds a Ph.D. in Geology with a Specialization in Planetary Science and Exploration from the University of Western Ontario, a Masters in Earth and Environmental Sciences from Wesleyan University, and a B.Sc. in Astronomy and Physics from the University of Washington. Her honours include two NASA Group Achievement Awards, the Amelia Earhart Fellowship for women in aerospace and the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship, Canada’s most prestigious doctoral award. She currently resides in Ottawa, Ontario, where she can usually be found with a camera and NASA stickers in hand. You can find her prolifically posting about all things Mars on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube as @tanyaofmars.

Abstract: Professional Martian Dr. Tanya Harrison will delve into the latest updates from the current suite of missions at the Red Planet, examining both the triumphs and challenges faced in recent exploration. How are the results of those missions feeding into future mission planning—including for humans to set foot on Mars? We will explore the technological advancements, logistical considerations, and strategic planning necessary for such a monumental endeavor, including the potential timelines and milestones.

About our Events: All RASC lectures and observing events are open to the public, family friendly, and there is no charge for admission. Our organization is run entirely by volunteers who love astronomy and astrophysics. Whether you’re a complete beginner, a seasoned astronomer, or you hope to work for NASA some day, anyone fascinated by space exploration is welcome and will enjoy our events

RASC Vancouver Monthly Meeting January 11, 2024

Date:  January 11, 2024

Topic: Recap of 2023 and what events and space missions coming up in 2024. 

Speaker:  Matthew Borghese, NASA Ambassador. 

Time:  7:30pm
Place: AQ3159 in the Quad at SFU Burnaby Mountain Campus
           Here is a link to the SFU room finder:  
https://roomfinder.sfu.ca/apps/sfuroomfinder_web/?q=AQ3159
Zoom:  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81087386674?pwd=T0hYc3I0eG5PQ3d4WG82dk5zT3JRdz09

For reference, this lecture room is directly down the stairs that lead into the Quad from the Trottier Observatory. 

Further details for the presentation can be found on our website  www.rasc-vancouver.com

We look forward to seeing everyone there, and Happy New Year!