Current Programs
Effective 4/1/2021
Hidden Wonders in Yosemite Night Sky Janet Wood Live on Zoom
20 Aug 2020
20 Aug 2020
Mars the Continuing Quest
For millennia, Mars has been a source of fascination for humankind. The most similar of all the other planets to Earth, Mars has mountains, canyons, shield volcanoes, and dry river beds as well as clouds, winds, and seasons. This presentation details the discoveries made by past missions to Mars and discusses the expectations and achievements of the Mars 2020 mission which is currently underway.
Why Explore Space?
Is space exploration worth the expenditure of our tax dollars? The answer is a resounding "Yes". This program discusses the myriad ways that space exploration has not only enhanced our knowledge of the Universe, but has significantly benefited us in our daily lives.
Hidden Wonders in the Night Sky
Stars and planets are mere points of light when viewed without a telescope from Earth. But through the technology of the Hubble, Spitzer, and Chandra Space Telescopes spectacular features of galaxies and nebulae can be seen in amazing detail. This program uses the familiar northern constellations as a road map to explore some of these fascinating objects in space.
Our Cosmic Connection
Since the dawn of civilization, humans have sought to understand their connection with the greater universe and have even tried to make correlations between celestial and terrestrial events through the practice of astrology. This presentation explores the roots of our human desire to discover our deep connection with the cosmos and relates how modern science has revealed how intimate that connection truly is.
Views of the Solar System
Eight planets orbit our Sun and each one is unique. Over the past four decades, all have been explored by spacecraft. This presentation provides an overview of the various missions to each of the planets and provides information about the discoveries that have been made. A version of this program for elementary school students also available.
Mysterious Moons
Earth's Moon is a familiar sight in the night sky but it is just one of scores of moons that revolve around planets in our solar system. From the fiery volcanoes of Jupiter's volcanic moon Io to the methane seas of Saturn's largest moon, Titan, this program presents an array of fascinating images of the many moons of our solar system and plans for future missions to explore them.
Volcanoes of the Solar System
There is no force in nature as awesome and powerful as a volcanic eruption. but volcanic activity is not unique to Earth. This program highlights volcanism on Earth and explores other moons and planets in the solar system which have also been shaped by volcanic activity. Fascinating discoveries made by the Voyager, Galileo, Mars Global Surveyor, and other missions will be discussed.
The Many Faces of the Sun
The Sun is the ultimate source of light and life on Earth. This presentation examines features of the Sun that have been revealed in x-ray, ultraviolet, and visible light, such as magnetic field loops, coronal holes, solar flares, and prominences. The program also includes a discussion of the various missions that study the Sun including Genesis, SOHO, TRACE, ULYSSES, and Yohkoh.
The Magic of the Moon (Autumn/Hallowe'en)
Throughout the ages the Moon has been believed to control the cycles of the Earth and shape human destiny. Even today it continues to fascinate us. As the days grow shorter and the moon’s presence in the evening sky takes on a greater prominence, we celebrate the moon’s personification in mythology and examine the ways in which the moon truly does influence our world and how it will ultimately serve as a springboard to future human exploration of the solar system.