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

August 10 (8:00pm) - When Worlds Collide

Dr. Kevin Zahnle,NASA-Ames Research Center.

Planet Earth is regularly being struck by interplanetary debris: fine dust, rocks, boulders (big enough to outshine the Sun as they streak through the atmosphere), asteroids, comets, and even small stray planets. Some of these collision events offer glorious night-time views; others can cause planetary annihilation. Infall of secondary debris ("shrapnel" from the original impact) can raise atmospheric temperatures by hundreds of degrees, globally.

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 - CANCELLED (Red Flag Conditions)
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!