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/