Published On: August 2nd, 2026By

Recent technological advancements are enabling huge improvements in the sensitivity of next-generation gamma-ray telescopes, which is well timed with the growing excitement for science uniquely enabled with observations of the high-energy sky. In this talk, Dr. Carolyn Kierans will present current development efforts towards next-generation gamma-ray telescopes, with a focus on the achievements through the NASA scientific balloon program. She will discuss the path towards answering long-standing questions in gamma-ray astrophysics.

Dr. Carolyn Ann Kierans

Biography:

Dr. Carolyn Kierans is a Research Astrophysicist at NASA 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. She received her undergraduate degree in physics from Simon Fraser University in Canada, and her PhD in physics from University of California, Berkeley. She was awarded a NASA Postdoctoral Program fellowship to work at GSFC in 2018 and was hired there as a civil servant in 2020.

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-maps-and-directions/

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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