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28 September 2001
San Deigo Area Astronomy Events
by Dennis Mammana
Lick Observatory on UCSD-TV
Wednesday, September 26 at 7:30 and 9:30 PM, and Sunday, September 30 at 7:30 p.m. "Lick Observatory: Over 100 Years of Discovery" Lick Observatory, the first permanently occupied mountaintop observatory, has been at the forefront of astronomical research for more than 100 years. Enjoy an insider's tour of Mt. Hamilton's major telescopes and hear Lick's astronomers and astrophysicists talk about the Observatory's remarkable accomplishments - from early discoveries to modern day research. UCSD-TV airs on Cox Cable Ch.76; North County Cox Cable Ch.58; Time Warner Cable Ch.18; Del Mar TV 3; or UHF (no cable) Ch. 35. For a complete program schedule, please call 534-3535 or visit us at http://www.ucsd.tv
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SIRTF Needs a Name!
The SIRTF Science Center, on behalf of the SIRTF Project Office at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, invites you to submit a nomination to name NASA's newest infrared observatory. When launched in July 2002, it will complete the family of NASA Great Observatories.
Currently referred to only as the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF), NASA seeks to add something more significant. Previously, NASA named its Great Observatories for scientists of the recent past, including the Hubble Space Telescope, the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory, and the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. SIRTF will be the most powerful infrared telescope ever launched, imaging everything from nearby planetary disks to distant galaxies.
To enter the contest-which ends on December 20-visit the following website: http://ipac.jpl.nasa.gov/naming/name_contest_guidelines.html
IEEE Visualization Conference in San Diego in October
The 2001 IEEE Visualization conference will be held in San Diego, October 21-26. This is a great conference for anyone using computer graphics in astronomy, biology, chemistry, networking, engineering, medicine, aerospace, mathematics, the environment, or education, or for anyone whose job is to explore and mine data.
The conference will be held in the convention center of San Diego's Paradise Point Hotel, so it is convenient and inexpensive to attend for San Diegans. As a bonus, two great symposia will be co-located with the conference: Symposium on Information Visualization ("InfoVis") Symposium on Parallel and Large-Data Visualization and Graphics ("PVG")
Conference registration gets you into each symposia. There is even an Exhibits-Only registration if all you want to do is see the companies that exhibit there, although the technical program is first-rate and definitely worth attending. Advance Program and Registration information can be found at the conference web site: http://vis.computer.org
Smithsonian Position Opening
The Smithsonian Institution, National Air and Space Museum is searching for a Museum Program Specialist for the Education Unit. This is NOT a federal position. It is a 2 year temporary position, grade 9/11 ($36,656-$57,656). Application deadline: November 16, 2001
The position works closely with the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies to coordinate the educational component of the "Reflections on Earth: Understanding Our Planet and Our Place in the Solar System" program. The incumbent provides educational expertise combined with a basic understanding of geology and remote sensing to reach K-12 classrooms and the general public with information about planetary research and remote sensing technology.
Successful candidates must have knowledge of learning theory and teaching methods for science education; ability to develop educational programs for museum audiences; and knowledge of geology.
All applications must be in the Smithsonian's Office of Human Resources by November 16. For complete vacancy announcement and application information either call the jobline: 202/287-3102 or email nasmohr@nasm.si.edu
Pamela Blalock Human Resources Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum MRC 310 6th & Independence Ave. SW Washington, DC 20560-0310 202/357-1828
Sky Photography Course Begins Soon
Expose your camera to an entirely new universe in this lively and informative non-credit class. Dennis Mammana demonstrates how even the simplest of cameras can record stars, constellations, planets, satellites, meteors, comets, the sun, the moon, and more. "Sky Photography" for Absolute Beginners" begins on October 11. For more information or for secure, online registration, visit: http://www.skyscapes.com/Classes.htm
