Virtual Event: New Visions of the Vastitude
**Events may have been canceled or postponed. Please contact the venue to confirm the event.
Date & Time
Sat, Feb 19 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Address (map)
Virtual
Saturday, February 19, 2022 (PT)
2:00 – 4:00 pm PT
Presenter: Russ Lewin
Webcast (see below for details and link)
To live well on our planet requires greater knowledge of its complex systems. Towards this end, scientists have engaged in three bold experiments to further our understanding. This forum will explore three areas:
1. Eyes on Earth: 25 Earth Orbiting Satellites
There are over 25 earth orbiting satellites that monitor the vital signs of our planet. The satellites offer detailed observations of sea level height, atmospheric CO2 concentration, Antarctic ozone, surface temperature, algae blooms, and other dynamics of our earth. We will explore the complexity of our planet through the ‘eyes’ of these satellites.
2. Eyes of Mars: Mars Rovers and Helicopters
There are currently active rovers on the surface of Mars collecting data and images that help us understand this complex planet. There is, for the first time, a helicopter on Mars helping with the exploration. We will explore the missions and their findings.
3. Eyes on the Cosmos: James Webb Space Telescope
The new Webb Space Telescope launched on December 25, 2022. It is more powerful than the Hubble Telescope and is capable of observing galaxies that are nearly 14 billion years old. The Webb Telescope observes using infra-red light, which allows it to see objects previously unseen by the Hubble Telescope which uses primarily optical and ultra-violet light. It is able to see through giant clouds of dust by collecting infrared light, allowing investigation of ancient galaxies. It is capable of observing the very first ‘baby galaxies’ that scientists hope will unlock some of the secrets of the universe. It will also be able to observe the galactic center of the Milky Way and other mysterious objects in our universe.
This is not an in-person event. It will be streamed to our IWC YouTube channel. To access the broadcast when it begins at 2:00 pm, click here. It will also be available on the IWC YouTube channel after the forum: https://www.youtube.com/user/iwcinsantabarbara/live