Branden Dickerson will provide us with “A Non-Mathematical Introduction to Relativity”. The “Constellation of the Month”, will be Sagittarius. Bill Yohey will do the presentation, delayed from August.
General Meeting – September 2017
Introductory Presentation: More Eclipse Tales
Presenter: Alex Filippenko
We will show the second Alex Filippenko lecture called “More Eclipse Tales,” from his Understanding the Universe DVD course. Following that, we’ll hear some members share their Total Solar Eclipse 2017 experiences. (Members’ photos of the eclipse will be shown in November. We’ll talk about how to participate.)
Main Presentation: Satellite Galaxies and Dwarfs in the Local Group
Presenter: Ekta Patel
Ekta will begin by reviewing the current classification system used by astronomers to identify different types of galaxies. She will then present an overview of satellite galaxies, including what they are, how they were discovered, and how astronomers use them to understand the evolution and formation of our own Milky Way galaxy and the neighboring Andromeda galaxy. She will explain the current research she is conducting using computer simulations of the Universe to further study satellite galaxies in a context beyond the scope of what observations alone can teach us.
Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – August 2017
This month Ruth Gomez will give us some fascinating information about “Eclipse Superstitions and Myths”. The “Constellation of the Month” is Sagittarius.
General Meeting – August 2017
Title: Science at the 2017 Eclipse: The Citizen CATE Experiment
Presenter: Matt Penn, Ph.D., National Solar Observatory
The summer’s total eclipse presents a special opportunity for a group of citizen scientists including scientists, high school students, and educators. The Citizen Continental-America Telescopic Eclipse (CATE) Experiment will monitor the outer atmosphere of the sun, the corona, using a network of 68 identical telescopes located at various places along the path of totality.
Partial Solar Eclipse
There will likely be several Astronomy events throughout Tucson to observe the Partial Solar Eclipse. The Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association does not have a specific location planned, but will likely support UA or other agencies with some solar telescopes.
Star Party-Chiricahua National Monument
Join the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association and the Chiricahua National Monument for an exciting evening of Star Gazing under some incredibly dark skies. Observing will be at the Visitor Center from 6 to 9 PM. We’ll get some amazing views of planets, star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, and lots more.
Expanding Science Education for Youth & Famlies
Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – July 2017
Details to be determined.
General Meeting – July 2017
Introductory Presentation – 6:30 PM
Title: Objects of the Quarter
Presenter: Mary Turner, Ph.D,
In her latest sky talk, Mary Turner, TAAA’s Chief Observer, takes us on a tour of the summer night sky. With the use of astronomical data, images, and mythology, Mary provides an overview of what to expect in the sky during the coming months.
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Main Presentation – 7:30 PM
Title: Catalina Sky Survey; What It Does and How Amateur Astronomers Can Help
Presenter: Eric J. Christensen, Chief Investigator of Catalina Sky Survey, University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary Laboratory
Chief Investigator Eric J. Christensen will give an overview of the Catalina Sky Survey (CSS), the NASA funded project based at the University of Arizona’s Lunar and Planetary Lab. CSS is dedicated to discovering and tracking near-Earth objects (NEOs). Learn about CSS’s history, latest discoveries, and crucial role in planetary defense against potentially hazardous asteroids. Eric will talk about the value of Asteroid Day (June 30), mitigation options should an impact from an NEO be predicted, plus the contributions amateur astronomers make to the discovery process.
Astronomy Fundamentals Meeting – June 2017
Come join us for a presentation from the fundamentals of amateur astronomy. This month Stephen Ferris will do part 2 of his “Cosmology” presentation. The “Constellation of the Month” is “Bootes” presented by Bill Yohey.