Astronomy Day 2024

Program Information

6:00 to 8:00PM

(30 Minute Sessions)

Room Z128 - Craft Projects for Children                     

Kathy Maynard, Northwest Suburban Astronomers

9:00pm-10:30pm

Weather Permitting

Karl Henize Observatory – Building O: Open observing of the nighttime sky

6:00PM

Room Z102 – DART, Hera, and Planetary Protection                 

Kevin Cole, Harper College Associate Professor of Geology/Astronomy

With the success of NASA's DART Mission, we will look at what Planetary Protection is and what more we can learn about diverting asteroids with the upcoming ESA Hera mission to Dimorphos and the new NEO Surveyor Mission.

Room Z117 – Can We Have a Global Space Program?                                                      

Dean Mikolajczyk, Midwest Astronomy and Space Society

Today we see the development of numerous space programs throughout the world.  In addition to the U.S. Russia, and China, there's also Japan, Brazil, UAE, India, and others all of whom are sending probes into the solar system.  Can we combine all our national resources into one global space program?  Join us for an interesting discussion.  

7:00PM

Room Z102 – Our Beautiful Blue Planet Earth                      

Robert Karas, Northwest Suburban Astronomers

The program presents the origin of our planet from primordial gas clouds, the structure of Earth, the origin of life on Earth, the extinction of past dinosaurs, and the naturally occurring changes that take place over time.

Room Z117 – The Mathematics of Intelligence                                                        

Jeff Schmitz, Harper College Adjunct Professor

How might we define life in a way that is independent of biology and chemistry? To recognize a signal from intelligent life we need to understand intelligence and communication. Both "intelligence" and "life" could be "functions" which might be used to develop practical procedures to identify life and intelligence.

Room Z119 – Evolution of Planetary Cartography          

Jackie Cooney, Harper College Adjunct Professor

We will be exploring the rocky planets through the maps created by different people for different purposes.  Follow along as we look at the increasing complexity and usefulness of different mapping capabilities as data from satellites become more sensitive and widely available to the public.

8:00PM

Room Z102 – Extreme Exoplanets part 2  

Jim Kovac, NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador

As the catalog of confirmed exoplanets has grown, astronomers have recognized the wide range of projected environmental characteristics that render these worlds truly unique and challenging for life as we know it.  Join the continuing exploration as we examine bizarre exoplanets that differ significantly from our home world.

Room Z117 – Astro Tourism: A Meridian Line in a Church in Rome                                

Dale Deluttri, Skokie Valley Astronomers

When my wife and I traveled to Rome, we happened upon an astronomical item in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels and Martyrs: a 300-year-old meridian line. This presentation describes the meridian line and how it was used to determine the exact length of the year and to compute the date for Easter Sunday

Presentation Info

NSA Brag Night - Astro Image and Photography Showcase

Join us for our “NSA Image Showcase Event” where NSA Club Members showcase their astro and photography talents with images from the Fall, Winter and early Spring seasons. Interest in imaging continues to grow across our club membership and we anticipate seeing some great images, the equipment that was used and learning about these beautiful celestial objects! Come join us and be amazed at the level of images amateur astronomers can capture with today’s technology and equipment - from DSLR’s to high-end telescopes and optics.

Zoom Info

Topic: NSA Brag Night - Astro Image and Photography Showcase

Time: May 24, 2024 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

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Presentation Info

Artificial Intelligence in Astronomy

Join us for an illuminating presentation from Dale Dellutri on the fascinating intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Astronomy! Our speaker will guide you through the latest developments in using AI to analyze and interpret astronomical data. You'll learn about cutting-edge techniques for identifying and classifying celestial objects, as well as ways that AI is helping astronomers to make new discoveries and push the boundaries of our understanding of the universe. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or simply curious about the latest advances in technology and science, this presentation is not to be missed. Come and discover the incredible possibilities that arise when the power of AI meets the mysteries of the cosmos. Join us for "Artificial Intelligence in Astronomy" and witness the future of space exploration!

Location Info

TBD

Zoom Info

NSA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Time: Jun 21, 2024 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

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Presentation Info

Speaker: Michael Solontoi, PhD., Associate Professor of Physics, Coordinating Advisor, Midwest Journal of Undergraduate Research, Monmouth College.

Location Info

TBD

Zoom Info

NSA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Time: Jul 19, 2024 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

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Presentation Info

Speaker: Steven D. Kawaler Distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy Iowa State University

Location Info

TBD

Zoom Info

NSA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Time: Aug 16, 2024 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

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Presentation Info

Topic: Positioning Systems of Professional Telescopes. Speaker: Kevin Kaufenberg

Location Info

TBD

Zoom Info

NSA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Time: Sep 20, 2024 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

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Presentation Info

Topic: Wonders of Webb:  Exploring the Universe with JWST. Speaker: Jim Kovac

Location Info

TBD

Zoom Info

NSA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Time: Oct 18, 2024 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

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Presentation Info

In-Person Meeting Only: CLUB SWAP MEET

Location Info

Tentative: Hoffman Estates Recreation Center

Zoom Info

N/A

Presentation Info

Speaker: Beth Mund.

Club Officer Elections following Beth's presentation.

Location Info

TBD

Zoom Info

NSA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Time: Dec 13, 2024 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

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