Upcoming Meeting
Location: Online https://meet.google.com/qhc-acci-ceu
Speaker: Dr. Joe Pesce
Title: Radio Astronomy: The “Longest” View
In this talk we will explore the field of Radio Astronomy, with a discussion of what it is, how radio observations are made, and what they can tell us about astronomical sources. We will then survey some of the most recent findings in Radio Astronomy.
Joe Pesce is an astrophysicist whose primary area of interest is in the external environments of the galaxies hosting supermassive black holes (to understand black hole formation and fueling). He also worked with clusters of galaxies, and in various areas of stellar astrophysics, including the atmospheres of cool stars (red giants; AGBs), symbiotic variable stars, and supernova progenitors. He has been involved in observations at all wavebands, with ground- and space-based telescopes, and has managed large research groups. Joe previously worked at the Space Telescope Science Institute, and the Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA.
Dr. Pesce is currently a Program Director at the National Science Foundation, Directorate for Mathematical & Physical Sciences, Division of Astronomical Sciences where he is responsible for most of the US Government’s ground-based radio astronomy facilities (NRAO, including ALMA, VLA, and VLBA). He is a Part-time Professor at George Mason University and a Visiting Professor at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He founded, and served as CEO, of several firms specializing in high-level science and technology, critical thinking and problem-solving consulting and education. He has expertise in foreign space programs, space launch, human space flight, emerging space programs, and science policy. He is a thought leader in critical & creative thinking and analytic methodology education, and an expert on STEM, leadership, and research issues.
Dr. Pesce received a B.A. degree (cum laude and with Honors) in Physics from the University of Colorado in Boulder, and M.Sc., M.Phil., and Ph.D. degrees from Cambridge University (Peterhouse) and the International School for Advanced Studies in Trieste, Italy. Joe’s other interests include interspecies communication, non-human intelligence, psychology, Sci-Fi (in particular Star Trek!), and all things British.
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!