NASA Scientist Dr. Carolyn Ann Kierans research focuses on gamma-ray astrophysics. Questions about stars and the Galaxy are uniquely accessible through measurements of characteristic gamma-rays emitted from the radioactive decay of unstable elements created through the life of stars in our Galaxy. However, this range of gamma-ray energies, specifically the MeV regime, is relatively unexplored and novel new telescopes are needed to progress in this field. Dr. Kierans focuses predominately on design and developing new gamma-ray imaging telescopes. This includes testing detectors in the laboratory, calibrating new instruments, and performing demonstrations of new technology with high-altitude balloon flights.
Dr. Carolyn Ann Kierans
Biography:
Dr. Carolyn Ann Kierans is a NASA Research Astrophysicist at Goddard Space Flight Center. Her research focuses on deciphering the source of Galactic positrons, gamma-ray line astronomy, and the design and development of gamma-ray imaging telescopes. Dr. Kierans has experience developing instrument simulations, integration and testing balloon payloads, leading extensive detector calibration efforts, and analyzing Compton telescope science data. Most notable is her work with the Compton Spectrometer and Imager (COSI) Small Explorer mission. Dr. Kierans is the Data Pipeline Scientist for COSI, the Principal Investigator of the ComPair balloon instrument, and the Instrument Scientist of the AMEGO-X MIDEX mission concept.
Meeting Details:
All NOVAC members, guests, and the public are welcome to attend—no RSVP required. You can attend the meeting virtually via Google Meet. Sign on at 4 pm to connect with fellow astronomers. The meeting starts at 4:30 with club information and general announcements. Program speaker starts at 5:00 pm.
Meet at George Mason University, Exploratory Hall, Room 3301. Check the GMU web site for nearby parking options. Some lots or garages do charge for parking.
GMU Maps and Directions link: https://info.gmu.edu/campus-
Join Virtually
Google Meet:
meet.google.com/cbf-jusw-dsm
Dial-in: +1 252-344-1407 PIN: 937 923 741
Meeting Schedule
- 4:00 PM – Online and GMU meeting opens for participant discussion
- 4:30 PM – NOVAC news, announcements, and upcoming events
- 5:00 – 6:00 PM – Presentation
- 6:30 – 7:00 PM – Dinner at Oh George, 10681 Braddock Rd, Fairfax VA
Join VirtuallyGoogle Meet:
meet.google.com/cbf-jusw-dsm
Dial-in: +1 252-344-1407 PIN: 937 923 741
*** This program will be recorded and available a few days after the meeting on the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club YouTube channel***
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