Upcoming Meeting
Location: Online https://meet.google.com/qns-wmyk-tbo
Speaker: Dr. Dennis Reuter
Title: Remote Sensing and Spaceborn Planetary Observations
Using spaceborne systems to carry out observations of atmospheric and surface properties of the objects in our solar system (including the Earth) provides a wealth of information about the processes that are occurring now and those that have occurred in the past. They are essential for everything from providing accurate weather forecasts on the Earth to understanding the formation and history of our solar system and ourselves. When building the instruments required for this remote sensing and operating the systems that carry them, unexpected events can occur that provide challenges (and sleepless nights) for the teams involved. In this presentation, I will give some examples of these types of events, how they were overcome, and show some of the outstanding images and science obtained afterwards. These examples will include the Ralph visible and short wave infrared imager on the New Horizons Mission to the Pluto System, the Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) on the Landsat 8 Earth orbiting mission, and the OVIRS visible/infrared spectrometer on the OSIRIS-REx mission to the near-Earth asteroid Bennu.
Dr. Retuer, as well as being a recognized expert in spacecraft and aircraft remote sensing instrument design is the Principal Investigator on high-resolution infrared laboratory spectroscopic studies of planetary and astrophysical species. His additional areas of investingation and expertise include: Expertise in the fields of atmospheric and surface radiative transfer and remote sensing, microwave and infrared molecular spectroscopy, tunable diode laser (TDL) spectroscopy, Fourier transform spectroscopy, and infrared astronomy. Analyzed spectra in terms of comprehensive quantum mechanical models to obtain molecular parameters of astronomical and theoretical interest. Analyzed astrophysical data to obtain structural information (e.g. composition, temperature etc.) from planetary asteroidal and cometary bodies. Developed techniques for retrieval of atmospheric and surface parameters from infrared and microwave radiance data obtained from polar orbiting and geostationary earth satellites. Well over 100 refereed publications.
Through the end of 2020 NOVAC meeting are being held online. Meetings start at 7:30 PM, generally on the second Sunday of every month (with the exception of May, when we meet earlier or later to avoid a conflict with Mother’s Day). The first part of the meeting generally includes:
- A tour of what is in the sky this month and how to find an observe these things.
- An Astronomy Note – a short presentation about a key astronomical concept to help deepen and enrich your knowledge
- Observing reports when members can share their stories and experiences viewing or photographing the sky
- Q&A, where beginning astronomers are encouraged to ask questions to be answered by more experienced members.
The final part of the meeting is a program, usually by outside experts, but sometimes by one of the members. We’ve had presenters from all aspects of Astronomy including scientists from NASA and other premier organizations, cosmologists, and photographers.
NOVAC’s general meetings are open to club members and the general public alike. We welcome all ages and interest levels! Children under 18 need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian while they are at NOVAC events.
Our meetings on the second Sunday of the Month, The events are normally held evening at 7:00 pm in Research Hall Room 163 on the campus of George Mason University.
Our meetings web page, has directions and additional details.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday evenings!
Our meetings on the second Sunday of the Month, The events are normally held evening at 7:00 pm in Research Hall Room 163 on the campus of George Mason University.
Our meetings web page, has directions and additional details.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday evenings!
Our meetings on the second Sunday of the Month, The events are normally held evening at 7:00 pm in Research Hall Room 163 on the campus of George Mason University.
Our meetings web page, has directions and additional details.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday evenings!
Our meetings on the second Sunday of the Month, The events are normally held evening at 7:00 pm in Research Hall Room 163 on the campus of George Mason University.
Our meetings web page, has directions and additional details.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday evenings!
Our meetings on the second Sunday of the Month, The events are normally held evening at 7:00 pm in Research Hall Room 163 on the campus of George Mason University.
Our meetings web page, has directions and additional details.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday evenings!