Free Exploring Space Lecture Series — Attend in Person or View Online
The 2012 Exploring Space Lectures will feature world-class scholars discussing the incredibly diverse worlds that make up our solar system. The lectures will be held at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., and are free to attend. Tickets are required. The lectures will be webcast live for free viewing online. Lecture videos will be archived.
Big Bang for the Buck: Cosmology from WMAP
The Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy, or WMAP, Explorer space mission mapped the remnant radiation from the Big Bang across the entire sky. From the patterns observed, scientists have deduced the age, history, contents and geometry of our universe. Professor Charles Bennett will discuss discoveries made and mysteries that remain.
The lecture will take place on March 22, 2012, at 8 p.m. Come early to see a free film and to meet the lecturer.
For more information, visit http://www.nasm.si.edu/events/eventDetail.cfm?eventID=3725.
The Little Satellite That Could
The International Ultraviolet Explorer, or IUE, was the first experiment to explore the full range of ultraviolet radiation from the universe. Astrophysicist Andrea K. Dupree of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory will discuss how the IUE project blazed the trail for international collaborations in space and paved the way for the Hubble Space Telescope.
The lecture will take place on April 11, 2012, at 8 p.m. Come early to see a free film and to meet the lecturer.
For more information, visit http://www.nasm.si.edu/events/eventDetail.cfm?eventID=3726.
Free Lecture — Gamma Ray Bursts and the Birth of Black Holes
The Swift Explorer is an astronomical satellite that is observing gamma-ray bursts, the birth cries of black holes. Experimental physicist Neil Gehrels will share the latest mission results and discuss the amazing properties of black holes.
The lecture will take place on May 16, 2012, at 8 p.m. Come early to see a free film and to meet the lecturer.
For more information, visit http://www.nasm.si.edu/events/eventDetail.cfm?eventID=3727.
Free Lecture — Seeking Planets Like Earth
Transiting planets are special, because scientists can determine their bulk density and can even observe their atmospheres. Join astronomer Dave W. Latham as he discusses his studies of transiting planets and how we can use them to find rocky worlds similar to the Earth.
The lecture will take place on June 5, 2012, at 8 p.m. Come early to see a free film and to meet the lecturer.
For more information, visit http://www.nasm.si.edu/events/eventDetail.cfm?eventID=3728.
Questions about this series of lectures should be directed to nasmpubliclectures@si.edu.
