2019 MT TAM ASTRONOMY NIGHT PROGRAMS Our 31st year on the Mountain

Presented by Mt Tam Astronomy Programs, Wonderfest, and the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers

April 13 (7:30pm) - Exoplanets: The How, What & Why of Planets Around Other Stars

Dr. Megan Ansdell, Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for Integrative Planetary Sciences, UC Berkeley

In the last decade, the commissioning of new observatories (both on Earth and in space) and the development of new techniques for analyzing large datasets (including the application of deep learning) have allowed dramatic advancements in our understanding of extrasolar planets. This talk will explore how exoplanets are formed, what techniques allow their discovery, and why they have been fundamental to understanding our place in the Universe.

May 11 (8:00pm) - The Largest 3D Maps of Our Universe

Dr. Josh Dillon, Post-Doctoral Researcher, Astronomy Department, UC Berkeley
The last century has seen a revolution in our understanding of the cosmos, including its age—13.8 billion years—and content: 95% dark matter & dark energy; 5% normal matter! To test cosmology theories and to grasp how stars and galaxies formed, UC Berkeley collaborates world-wide to make huge 3D maps of hydrogen, the most abundant cosmic element.

June 8 (8:00pm) - Gravitational Lensing: Bends in Spacetime
Fatima Abdurrahman, Doctoral Candidate, Astronomy Department, UC Berkeley
100 years ago, Einstein predicted that light rays would deviate from straight-line paths in the space near massive objects. Today, we use this fact to weigh galaxies, discover planets of other stars, and “see” invisible black holes. How did this idea of gravitational lensing come about, and how do we use it today to probe all fields of astrophysics?

July 13 (8:00pm) - Cassini's Spectacular Final Year at Saturn
Dr. Matthew Tiscareno, Senior Research Scientist, SETI Institute
Cassini’s 13-year exploration of Saturn stands as the most successful interplanetary mission in NASA history. Its "Grand Finale” (with dives off the outer ring edge, and between inner rings & cloud tops) culminated with a plunge into Saturn’s depths. Insights earned during these maneuvers bring Saturn's complex glory into focus as never before.

August 10 (8:00pm) - Astrobiology Under Our Feet & Out to the Stars
Dr. Penelope Boston, Director, NASA Astrobiology Institute, NASA Ames Research Center
The Age of Astrobiology has begun. We have a whole Solar System—and a galaxy of star-warmed worlds beyond—to explore for life. How do we look for life here and way out there? How will we know it when we find it? Our exploration begins at Earth. We must apply what we are learning about our own amazing home planet to our search for life beyond.

September 7 (7:30pm) - MISSION: MARS
Dr. Pascal Lee, Planetary Scientist, Mars & SETI Institutes
We are making progress globally—from the Arctic to Antarctica, from underground labs to the International Space Station—to achieve the first human voyage to Mars. Come explore the what, why, how, when, and who of our first journey to the Red Planet.

September 21 (7:30pm) - SCI-FI MOVIE NIGHT: THE MARTIAN
2015 film starring Matt Damon depicts the struggles of an astronaut
left behind on Mars as he awaits rescue. Post-screening discussion
by Jeffrey Silverman of Science VS Cinema

October 5 (7:00PM) - Illuminating Dark Matter
Robert McGehee, Doctoral Candidate, Physics Department, UC Berkeley
Dark matter is the cosmic parent of all vast structures in the night sky, including our own Milky Way galaxy. Yet, we know so little
about this mysterious stuff that constitutes over 80% of the material universe. This talk will illuminate our universe’s elusive dark
matter, highlighting the ingenious methods that scientists use to search for it.

FAQs

What can I bring into the event?

Extra Layers! Temperatures Drop after Sunset. Flashlight, red filter for observing session.

Restrooms at Rock Spring and at the Mt Theater.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

YES! You need a Astronomy Parking Pass to park at Rock Spring or the overflow Quarry Lot after the park closes. PRINT THIS PASS (Ticket) and DISPLAY on your Vehicle Dash Board. No parking is allowed outside of the two designated parking areas described in the pass anywhere in the park after the park is closed.

The Pantoll Gate will close at Sunset. No access to Rock Spring without pre-printed Astronomy Program Parking Pass after State Park closing. Please Arrive before the Park Closes.

Is my registration free or ticket transferrable?

No Charge for the Program or Parking Pass and it can be used for any one vehicle for the date printed.

Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn't match the person who attends?

One Parking Pass per Vehicle.

Can use the parking pass on my phone?

You need a to print the pass to display on your vehicle dashboard while attending the program. You can show your pass to a program volunteer who will issue you a pass to display but it is prefered that you have the pass printed before you arrive to avoid the extra handling.

Can I volunteer or donate to support this all volunteer program?

Yes! We encourage.voluntees to help with the probram visit: http://www.friendsofmttam.org/astronomy.html or email: FriendsOFMtTam@gmail.com for more on volunteering. Donations are accepted at the sales table at the tentrance to the Mt Theater. Thank you for your support!