TAAA’s next general member meeting will be held on Friday, October 7, 2022. The Main Presentation will start at 6:30 P.M.This will be a hybrid meeting (both in person and on social media). TAAA members will receive a Zoom link should they wish to attend remotely. The public may attend in person or online through our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TucsonAstronomy/
(A recording will be available on YouTube a few days after the meeting at
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRjjxnxMBbO98o801Bpk19w)
Special Note: The Raymond E. White 21” telescope will be available to view through from 7 PM to 10:30 PM, courtesy of Steward Observatory.
6:30 pm – Main Presentation
TITLE: A Sky Full of Satellites
PRESENTATION: With the creation of new low Earth-orbit satellite mega-constellations (containing 100 or more satellites), astronomers face a new reality, one with as many as 100,000 bright satellites which can ruin astrophotographic images, both scientific and aesthetic. While there are many concerns about the damage these constellations cause, our speaker, Harry Krantz, is currently observing them primarily to measure their brightness and evaluate current and future mitigation goals. Based on his extensive surveys and investigation of their brightness and behavior, Harry will inform us about the real impacts that astronomers can expect from satellite mega-constellations.
BIO: Harry Krantz is a PhD student of Astronomy at the University of Arizona Steward Observatory. His research focuses on observing and characterizing satellites and debris in Earth orbit. With a background in engineering and systems development, Harry plays a key role in creating new instruments, telescope systems, and techniques to overcome the unique challenges in observing satellites.
6:30 pm – Main Presentation
TITLE: The James Webb Space Telescope: observing from the Solar System to the Earliest Universe
PRESENTATION: This talk will describe the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), its instruments, and what we have learned so far in its mission. The 10 billion dollar telescope, now situated a million miles from Earth, was launched on December 25, 2021. With its sensitivity in the infrared spectrum, (which can’t be seen by the human eye), it promises to reveal much valuable new information about the universe in which we live. Its first images, released to the public on July 12, 2022, give a hint of what’s to come. Learn about them, JWST’s future, and how to keep up on JWST news.
BIO: Christopher Willmer is an astronomer at Steward Observatory (University of Arizona). He’s been part of the JWST Near Infrared Camera (NIRcam) team since 2007. His professional interest is mapping the distribution of galaxies in space and understanding how these systems evolve over time.
TAAA will participate in the annual Empire Ranch Cowboy Festival. We will have Solar Observing from 10 am to 4 pm Saturday and Sunday.
TAAA will participate in the annual Empire Ranch Cowboy Festival. We will have Solar Observing from 10 am to 4 pm Saturday and Sunday.
TAAA and Cochise County Library will be hosting a discussion of the Images from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and a star party at the Elfrida Library.
TAAA and Cochise County Library will be hosting another discussion of the first release images from the James Webb Space Telescope at the Sunizona Alice Woods Library. TAAA will present the images for discussion and Q&A.
Join the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association and Cochise County Libraries for an evening of stargazing. We will observe planets, galaxies, stars, star clusters, nebulae, and lots more. Bring a comfortable chair and layers to dress warmly.
Join Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (TAAA) for the release of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) images throughout the summer and fall. Our first event is scheduled for Saturday July 23rd at the Sunsites Library in Pearce AZ (210 N Ford St) from 1:30 – 2:30 pm. Keep an eye on our calendar for upcoming events.
Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (TAAA) will be participating with several events over the summer and fall to highlight and discuss the images from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Our first event will be at the Sunsites Library @ 1:30 pm. Stop by and check it out. Here is some additional information about the event.
The earliest science images from the James Webb Space Telescope will be presented, including a discussion of their significance and any questions you may have about them. Learn how infrared energy will be Webb’s window on the Universe!
Event Location:
Sunsites Community Center
1216 Treasure Rd
Pearce, AZ 85625
Saturday July 23rd
1:30 – 2:30 pm
More Information: James Webb Space Telescope
