Events 2021
December 2021
RAS December 2021 Event: Bonnie Lawrence-Smith
High in the Bighorn Mountains of Northern Wyoming there lies a mysterious ancient stone circle referred to as a Medicine Wheel. Who created this medicine wheel, how old is it, and what was its purpose? The Medicine Wheel has had a contentious past, several groups have claimed agency, but does the evidence support their claims? Join us tonight when Wyoming archaeologist Bonnie Lawrence-Smith, founder and Executive Director of the Bighorn Basin Art and Science Experience, weaves the story of this controversial Star Circle.
Bonnie’s background in Archaeology and local knowledge of Medicine Wheel may shed some light and answer some questions that came up on our Astronomical Excursion to Wyoming this past September. She has presented at Wyoming High Country Lodge during a past astronomy excursion there. In a way, we welcome her back.
November 2021
RAS November 2021 Event: Dr. Ken Savin~CASIS
We will be live at the Mallon Planetarium in Fairview Village PA. We are planning a special night at Methacton School District. The district’s outstanding support of STE(A)M initiatives utilizes a fully digital planetarium for a variety of curriculum standards.
Return speaker and Methacton Alumni Shaun Peiffer, Commercial Innovation Manager, International Space Station, U.S. National Laboratory will be interviewing Dr. Ken Savin.
Dr. Savin is the Program Director of In-Space Production at CASIS (Center for the Advancement of Science In Space, the manager of the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory.)
October 2021
RAS October 2021 Event: “Dr. Lydell Nunn”
You may know Dr. Nunn from Ryan Observatory. His backyard observatory was featured on their August monthly live event. What you may not know is we are congratulating Lydell for the publication of his work this year in Sky and Telescope Magazine.
Lydell will share what is entailed to create the work below and a few other captures.
We have also invited back a favored astrophotographer from our astroQuora forum, Rupesh Varghese (LOST Photons) to talk with Lydell about getting published and to share some of his recent pictures.
September 2021
RAS September 2021 Event: “Dr. Paul Halpern: Flashes of Creation”
Dr. Paul Halpern, introduces his new book “Flashes of Creation.” This event will be live-streamed for all to enjoy on our social media.
Dr. Halpern captures the brilliance of Russian American physicist George Gamow and British astrophysicist Fred Hoyle. He not only breaks down the debate of how the universe begins, he brings us to a greater understanding of the men behind the brilliance.
June 2021
RAS June 2021 Event: "Members Present!"
As in years past, we offer this opportunity for our members to present their passion and experiences with astronomy or historically-related topics.
Special Short Segments:
Dr. Paul Halpern, introduces his new book “Flashes of Creation” to be published this August!
David Brown (JPL-NASA) a unique view (he helped build the cameras) of the current rover and helicopter.
May 2021
Matt Hunsworth: “Fan Driven Media and Opportunities at Kennedy Space Center”
Join us tonight for our May event! Podcaster and new media specialist Matt Hunsworth of NeoZAZ will be joining RAS to discuss his experiences as a podcaster and holder of NASA media credentials while living near the Space Coast of Florida!
April 2021
Derrick Pitts: “The New Race for Space”
Join us tonight for our April event! Join us for a special evening with Derrick Pitts, a distinguished NASA Solar System Ambassador and the Chief Astronomer of the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia! A lifelong lover of science and an excellent science communicator, as well as the Director of the Fels Planetarium, Derrick will be looking forward with RAS at the New Race for Space! As he always says, “Eat, breathe, do science. Sleep later.”
March 2021
Dr. Stephen Grieco: "Dark Adaptation"
Join us tonight for our March event! Composer Dr. Stephen Grieco will be joining RAS to discuss his newest project, “Dark Adaptation.” In the spirit of Gustav Holst and his famous suite of music representing the planets, Dr. Grieco has created this wonderful composition with astronomical sights and concepts as his inspiration. For space enthusiasts and music enthusiasts alike, it will be a fantastic evening!
“Dark Adaptation” is out now! Go buy it!
February 2021
Rupesh Varghese: “What to my Wondering Eyes Should Appear!?”
Join us for our February event. We welcome Rupesh Varghese and their presentation, “What to my Wondering Eyes Should Appear!?”
Some spectacular deep sky sights are now on display in the winter sky above. Find these stellar delights with a night sky tour and view the grandeur of the photons Ruepesh Varghese has captured. Enjoy a tour de force of the night sky by Ted Williams as Rue dazzles us with some astro-photographic gems and explains how they are gathered with digital precision.
January 2021
Shaun Peiffer: "How I Got Here"
Join us as we welcome Shaun Peiffer, Commercial Innovation Manager for the International Space Station and the U.S. National Laboratory.
Shaun Peiffer is a past student (1993) of our President Ted Williams. As a young child, how did Shaun go from the Mallon Planetarium to doing business development for space habitat modules and developing proposals that would lead to the International Space Station?
Also, special musical presentation! This is a unique release with special appeal to anyone interested in music, astronomy, or science in general. In the spirit of Gustav Holst and his famous suite of music representing the planets, Dr. Stephen Grieco has created a musical composition with astronomical sights and concepts as his inspiration, Dark Adaptation. Tonight we receive a sneak preview of one of the tracks from this collection.
Join us for our March event as Dr. Grieco returns for a full exploration of Dark Adaptation!