Click here for the Jupiter and Venus Conjunction Star Party

October 3, 2009, 1:00 PM
These two missions are capturing the imaginations of people all over the world. The Hubble Space Telescope was just newly refurbished with its last servicing mission. We will look at what it has learned about the Universe, how it probes of the deepest reaches of the cosmos, and how we interpret its myriad mysterious images. We will also look at the upcoming LCROSS Lunar Impact Mission, due to make a crater on the Moon in search of Water on October 9 of this year! With the return to deep space and the return to the Moon these two missions are shaping our understanding of the universe, and our little neck of the woods. We'll learn about the adventure of these two daring spacecraft, one with a 19 year history of problems and triumph, and one that has a one-way ticket to being a crater on the Moon. We will even take a peek at the next space telescope that will surpass Hubble: The James Webb Space Telescope.

About The Lectures

As part of continuing public outreach on science and astronomy, following The International Year of Astronomy 2009, Jason Kendall is presenting numerous Planetarium Shows, Lectures and classes at the New York Public Library, Inwood Branch, Inwood Hill Park Nature Center and at other locations around New York City. Supported by NASA's Solar System Ambassador Program, event features astonishing photos from the NASA's current space and planetary exploration missions and up-to-date research and ideas from Astronomy, it's a great way to learn Astronomy with a knowledgable NASA/JPL volunteer to answer all your questions.

All events are free, open to the public, and suitable for kids over 12. There will also be free NASA handouts, posters and lithographs for everyone who comes.

Location

The New York Public Library, Inwood Branch is located at 4790 Broadway [near Dyckman St.], New York, NY 10034-4916. The lectures will be givn in the downstairs auditorium. The library's phone number is 212-942-2445. To get there by train, take the "A" train to the Dyckman/200th Street stop. It is one block from the subway. You can also come by the "1" train, but the walk from the Dyckman Street stop over to Broadway is about 6 blocks.

About Jason Kendall

I am the NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador for New York City. I hold a Master of Science in Astronomy from New Mexico State University and am currently adjunct faculty at William Paterson University. I have led numerous "starwatching parties" and astronomy events in New York City, New Mexico, Minnesota and Texas. It all started way back in the fourth grade by the encouragement of two noted astronomers, Charles Schweighauser and Bart Bok. I saw Saturn through Charlie's telescope at then Sangamon State University on a clear Illinois night, and Bart encouraged me under those stars to study hard to come visit him at Kitt Peak National Observatory. I finally did make it down there about a decade after Bart passed away, and I found the favorite spots in Tucson, Arizona, where Bart and his wife Priscilla would spend when they were not gazing at the stars. Bart and his wife were pioneers in the study of the Milky Way, and their studies of the starforming regions called Bok Globules. It's even in my family. My great-grandfather was a Midwestern minister who used to preach his sermons out under the dark, cloudless nights. He always believed that getting out and experiencing the wonders of the natural world was a central part of being human. My family has always been inspired by his words: "We look up to look within." I hope that you'll join me under the stars or at one of my talks.

Come see what's up in the sky!

Jason Kendall
NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador to New York City

The Inwood Astronomy Project is thankful for the support of the NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassadors Program, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, the New York Public Library, the International Year of Astronomy and the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York


We look up to look within