What we’re about
Welcome to SJ Astronomy Meetup. We are an active group with a lot of events organized by the San Jose Astronomical Association. All events posted to this Meetup are open to the public but please note that joining this meetup does not automatically make you a member of SJAA. Becoming a formal member of SJAA provides members-only benefits, so we do encourage you to join. Please check out the membership benefits at https://www.sjaa.net/membership/benefits-of-membership-2/ to learn more and to join the club.
Also, please note that we need a profile picture for security reasons to join this group. Please consider uploading one before you send a request to join the group. Looking forward to sharing this cool hobby with all of you!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Astro 101: Moons of the Solar System — On LineLink visible for attendees
This event is one of several different introductions to astronomy offered by SJAA. In our solar system, it's often the planets that get all the attention, but the moons have a lot going for them! This presentation visits our planets from Mercury to Pluto, but we'll focus on their moons to learn more about their diversity, how they came to be and the interplay they have with their host planets. At the end, you'll have a greater appreciation for our amazing solar system neighborhood.
Using the planetarium software Stellarium, we'll take the first 15 minutes to show a preview of the night sky as you'll see it during the subsequent star party. The talk will start at 7:15.
The talk will be presented by Wolf Witt. Wolf is not an actual astronomer, nor has he ever played one on TV. However, he's been interested in outer space since he was a kid and still thinks that the universe is an amazing place. He's been with SJAA since 2013, and now he'll share with you his enthusiasm and some of what he's learned about the cosmos. Maybe you'll think it's amazing, too.
Many of SJAA’s events, like this one, are public and free to attend, but if you’re enjoying what SJAA has to offer, consider becoming a paid member for only $20 per year: https://www.sjaa.net/membership/benefits-of-membership-2/
This event is an on-line Zoom event, complementing our in-person events in Houge Park.
Image borrowed from BBC Science Focus: https://www.sciencefocus.com/space/the-solar-systems-top-20-moons-ranked-why-because-we-can
- The challenges of crewed long-duration exploration missions to the Moon and MarsHouge Park, San Jose, CA
Come join us for our monthly Astronomy talk!
7:30pm-8pm: Social time with snacks
8pm: Talk beginTitle: The challenges of crewed long-duration exploration missions to the Moon and Mars
Abstract:
Human spaceflight has enabled many scientific discoveries that would not have been possible without the presence of skilled, adaptable, and creative human crews in space, but sending humans into space challenges their physiology, psychology, and general performance. Long-duration exploration missions present challenges more intense than those encountered in low-Earth orbit, with limited communications, limited access to resupply, challenging transitions between space exploration environments, and smaller spacecraft than what most current astronauts have experienced on the International Space Station. The unique challenges of missions to the Moon and Mars require creative solutions, including methods of monitoring health, strategies for managing the effects of communication delays, and plans for teams of humans and autonomous robotic systems working together to explore the rich scientific data available on these extraterrestrial surfaces.Bio:
Dr. Katya Arquilla is an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder. She is part of the multi-PI Bioastronautics Laboratory, focused on the study and support of life in space and other complex environments. She earned her BS in Astrophysics from Rice University then taught high school math and physics for two years before earning an MS and PhD in Aerospace Engineering Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder. Dr. Arquilla started her academic career as an Assistant Professor at MIT before transitioning back to CU Boulder in 2023. Her research portfolio includes studies of the effects of isolation and confinement on behavioral health and performance, psychophysiological measurement using novel wearable sensors, and the study of team dynamics in challenging operational environments.About the event:
Many of SJAA’s events, like this one, are public and free to attend, but if you’re enjoying what SJAA has to offer, consider becoming a paid member for only $20 per year: https://www.sjaa.net/membership/benefits-of-membership-2/
