September 13^th 2025 - 7:30

Title: A Photo of the Whole Sky: the Story of the Palomar Observatory Sky Survey

Presenter: Professor Steven Spangler - Professor Emeritus - University of Iowa

When we look at the night sky from a dark location we can see a big range in the brightness of stars.  From the Eastern Iowa Observatory and Learning Center (EIOLC), the energy per second coming through our eyes from the faintest stars is only about 1/100 that of the brightest stars.  What would happen if we could see stars 100 times fainter still, and then another factor of 100, and so on?  The sky also contains glowing objects that are obviously not stars, but to the casual observer, it is not obvious what they are.  How many of these could we see if we could go down in brightness by the same amount?  Answering these questions has been a goal of astronomy over the last two to three centuries.  A major development occurred in the late 1940s and early 1950s, when sensitive photos were made of the whole sky visible from southern California.  This Palomar Observatory Sky Survey (POSS) was a major research tool for decades, and permitted many important discoveries.  The University of Iowa has had a copy of this survey since the 1950s.  Recently, the University generously allowed us to host this collection at the EIOLC.  In this talk, I will describe how the POSS was carried out and describe some of the discoveries made with it.  Audience members will be able to see the collection after the talk.

Recording:

https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/rJFONVJeg493ha8jolBvy1YC2gBx869b1msB1x-u2CXdk7Tqss7-IrAw-MIPzo_A.87oTd1E9COMEFUP_?startTime=1757810043000

Passcode: Xj2@G7V.

August 16^th 2025 - 8:00 

Title: Exploring Mars to Understand Earth History

Presenter: Professor Valerie Payre, University of Iowa Geology Department

Recording:

https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/3LtouYVPjtxQKfo89Uo2jMjFn-EPjN2iYE7cWCPS-bH_nr8HiHYb5Hczt8ZklF3j.KFf3S8vBZz5Ala5Q?startTime=1755388456000

Passcode: T1&#70A7

Meeting summary

Quick recap

The meeting featured a presentation by Professor Valerie Pyre from the University of Iowa, who shared insights about Mars exploration and geological evidence of ancient water on the planet.

Next steps

• Tom: Introduce the promotional video at 7:50
• Tom: Update the Zoom meeting start time to 7:45 PM
• Alan: Manage Zoom participants as they join
• Valerie and colleagues: Continue working on helicopter mission proposals for Mars exploration

Summary

NASA Documentary and Mars Exploration

The meeting discussed an upcoming event on May 16th at the Hilton Doubletree by Hilton, featuring a NASA documentary called "Cosmic Dawn" about the James Webb Space Telescope, which will be shown at the Whipple Auditorium in the downtown library. The Cedar Amateur Astronomers, a nonprofit group, will host the event, which is free and open to the public, and they also manage telescopes for public viewing on clear nights. The group's activities include school and scouting group visits, and they accept donations through an Earth globe donation jar. The meeting also featured a presentation by Professor Valerie Pyre from the University of Iowa's School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability, who discussed the geological exploration of Mars and its importance for understanding Earth's early history.

Curiosity Rover Mars Landing Overview

EIOLC discussed the landing of the Curiosity Rover on Mars in 2012, highlighting the automated nature of the landing process and the 7-minute communication delay known as the "7 minutes of terror." They explained the 10-year journey from instrument proposal to rover launch and emphasized the emotional significance of successful landings. EIOLC also introduced basic geology concepts using Earth rocks and discussed the types of volcanism on Mars, including shield volcanoes like Olympus Mons and explosive eruptions. Finally, they described the instruments on the Curiosity Rover, including a laser and drill used to analyze Martian rocks, and mentioned unexpected findings of non-black basalt on Mars.

Mars Water Evidence and Life

The speaker discussed evidence of ancient liquid water on Mars, including clay minerals and river delta formations in Jezero Crater, which suggest water flowed there about 3.5 billion years ago. They explained that the Curiosity Rover found signs of habitable conditions in Gale Crater, including layered rocks and veins of hydrated minerals, while the Perseverance Rover discovered organic molecules in a rock that could potentially be a sign of past life. The speaker emphasized that while these findings indicate Mars had conditions suitable for life, they cannot definitively prove life existed there without further analysis of Martian soil samples on Earth.

Martian Atmosphere and Life Possibilities

The speaker discussed the composition of Martian meteorites and how they match the Viking lander's atmospheric chemistry data, confirming their Martian origin. They explained that while Mars once had a thicker atmosphere with liquid water, it lost most of its atmosphere to space, leading to the current arid conditions. The speaker addressed questions about potential life on Mars, noting that while extreme environments might harbor microbial life, the current atmosphere is not conducive to Earth-like life. They also discussed future plans for helicopter missions on Mars and the presence of lava tubes, which could potentially shelter life. The presentation concluded with a brief discussion about elevation measurements on Mars and an invitation for attendees to view telescopes after the session.

Title: Waves in a Plasma Ocean: Wave-Particle Interactions Throughout the Solar System

Presenter: Professor Allison Jaynes - University of Iowa

All planetary and smaller bodies in our solar system are embedded in a sea of plasma, like boulders in a terrestrial ocean. Their surfaces or magnetic fields run into this ocean of space plasma, generated primarily by our Sun, and create a whole range fascinating effects as a result. Waves in interplanetary space and waves produced by solar wind-planetary interactions both initiate wave-particle interactions across a variety of scale sizes. These wave-particle interactions can fuel many phenomena: from the ‘killer electrons’ in the Van Allen radiation belts that affect spacecraft and Earth’s atmosphere to the echoes of distant magnetic structures we can observe at the edge of our solar system and beyond with the Voyager spacecraft. This process can also cause the local aurora above our heads and it plays a role in the giant particle accelerator that is Jupiter’s magnetosphere. In this talk, I will present recent significant insights we’ve gained about wave-particle interactions across our solar system and illustrate how this fundamental plasma physics process underlies a vast scope of the space environment: from different worlds to the furthest reaches of our space exploration.

Recording:

https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/UItbsrd4lHWJO135cI8Jac5Y_IjWqZVtHcg3A4BZZiPD20zocu7FolVCPGXSg11p._uBxHmb4g2-RBj2m 
Passcode: *V8!mmfS

Zoom AI Summary:

Jul 26, 2025 07:15 PM Central Time (US and Canada) ID: 838 7566 4355

Quick recap

The meeting began with discussions about technical audio issues during a presentation, which were eventually resolved to allow the main program to proceed. The main presentation covered various astronomy and space science topics, including upcoming events at the observatory, the physics of plasma oceans, and the importance of studying auroras and the Van Allen radiation belts. The conversation ended with discussions about diversity in STEM fields and the ongoing work of space missions, including insights about plasma wave research and educational initiatives to increase participation in science.

Next steps

• University of Iowa Physics Department: Continue funding and supporting the 2-week NASA mission training program for underrepresented students in STEM
• University of Iowa Physics Department: Expand diversity and inclusion initiatives in collaboration with other departments
• University of Iowa Physics Department: Continue operating the Voyager plasma wave subsystem instrument until power constraints require its shutdown
• NASA: Maintain Voyager spacecraft operations for the next few years as committed
• University of Iowa Physics Department: Continue research on plasma waves and aurora phenomena
• University of Iowa Physics Department: Analyze data from the recent Tracers mission launch
• University of Iowa Physics Department: Continue research on the effects of solar wind on Earth's magnetosphere
• University of Iowa Physics Department: Study the interaction between solar eruptions and Jupiter's magnetosphere
• University of Iowa Physics Department: Continue research on the comparative study of Earth and Jupiter's magnetospheres
• Technical team: Investigate and resolve audio issues with Behringer device
• GHB: Coordinate with NASA to show "Cosmic Dawn" documentary on September 27th at 1pm at Whipple Auditorium
• GHB: Organize popcorn supply for the September 27th event
• GHB: Prepare display comparing Webb Telescope and Hubble images for the September 27th event

Summary

Resolving Audio Source Conflicts

The meeting focused on resolving audio issues during a presentation. EIOLC and AlanE discovered that the phone was unable to distinguish between the audio sources from the room's wireless mic and Zoom, causing sound problems. They determined that the issue was with the phone's audio settings, and AlanE suggested that the phone should be used for Zoom audio only to avoid conflicts.

Technical Difficulties Halt Presentation

The meeting experienced technical difficulties with sound and video, leading to a delay in starting the presentation. EIOLC and AlanE discussed testing issues and agreed to stop further testing discussions. The group planned to resolve the technical problems and continue with the presentation soon. Willa mentioned having sound issues but eventually resolved them. GHB advised participants to log in to Zoom for better access and mentioned a ceiling microphone for questions.

Astronomy Events and Speakers

The meeting discussed upcoming astronomy events at the observatory, including a talk by a University of Iowa geology professor about the geology of Mars on August 16, and a 90-minute documentary about the James Webb Space Telescope on September 27 at the Whipple Auditorium and downtown library. The discussion also covered NASA's recent Tracer Mission launch and included an introduction of Dr. James, a University of Iowa professor who specializes in magnetosphere research, who was scheduled to speak about waves and plasma oceans. Technical difficulties with audio and lighting were briefly addressed before the main presentation began.

Solar Plasma and Magnetic Interactions

The speaker discussed the plasma ocean of the solar system, explaining how the sun's magnetic field and solar wind interact with planets to create complex magnetic structures. They described how coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun can impact Earth's magnetosphere, leading to auroras and magnetic reconnection events. The presentation highlighted the importance of studying these phenomena, particularly during the current solar maximum, and mentioned the role of Iowa's heliophysics observatory in these investigations.

Auroras: Space's Light Show

EIOLC explained the phenomenon of auroras, describing how electric currents from space interact with Earth's atmosphere to create colorful displays. They discussed the science behind different aurora colors and the existence of pulsating auroras, which are caused by plasma waves in the magnetosphere. EIOLC also highlighted a recent rocket mission that provided new data on auroral processes and mentioned how high-energy particles from auroras can affect Earth's atmosphere, leading to ozone depletion in the stratosphere.

Van Allen Belts: Discovery and Impact

The speaker discussed the history and significance of the Van Allen radiation belts, highlighting James Van Allen's pivotal role in their discovery through the Explorer 1 mission in 1958. They emphasized the importance of international collaboration in science, contrasting it with the Soviet approach that missed the discovery due to lack of cooperation. The speaker also introduced the recent Tracer mission led by the University of Iowa, which aims to study magnetic reconnection in low Earth orbit, and briefly touched on Jupiter's unique auroras and its comparison with Earth's. Finally, they presented a visual overview of NASA's heliophysics observatory fleet and shared historical images of Iowa's contributions to space exploration.

Promoting Diversity in STEM Fields

EIOLC discussed the underrepresentation of gender, racial, and ethnic minorities in physics and STEM fields, highlighting the need for change and the importance of creating inclusive spaces. She then shared insights about the Voyager mission, including its iconic "Pale Blue Dot" image and the ongoing work of the plasma wave subsystem, which continues to send data back to Earth. EIOLC also demonstrated how plasma waves can be translated into sound, allowing people to connect more deeply with the data, and shared examples of these sounds from Earth, Jupiter, and beyond.

Understanding Space Plasma Dynamics

EIOLC delivered a presentation about space plasma, explaining its characteristics and its role in the universe. They discussed the low density of plasma compared to Earth's atmosphere and the potential for harnessing energy from plasma interactions with magnetic fields. EIOLC also addressed questions about the effects of a planet's magnetosphere on its atmosphere and potential for life, referencing ongoing research about Mars' lost atmosphere.

Promoting Diversity in STEM Education

This year CAA long time member and past Society President Carl Bracken is pleased to introduce, via Zoom, our key note speaker Dr Scott McIntosh.

Title: SC25 Declining Phase: There's Still Fun To Be Had!

Abstract: As Solar Cycle 25 enters its declining phase, the Sun continues to offer dynamic opportunities for scientific discovery and space weather insights - with Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter we'll have some new physics to explore this time compared to last. This talk highlights solar cycle 25 progression and some of the fascinating phenomena we'll experience and/or see during the cycle’s descent. Processes during the declining phase fuel more geomagnetic storms and auroral displays, maintaining high-impact events even as sunspot numbers wane. There's even the possibility for an out of the blue whopper....

Presenter: Scott W. McIntosh Ph.D.

Scott McIntosh serves as Vice President of Space Operations at Lynker Space, a division established on August 1, 2024. With a distinguished career in solar physics, Scott previously held the role of Deputy Director at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) from 2019 to 2024 and directed NCAR’s High Altitude Observatory (HAO) from 2014 to 2019. He earned a First Class Honors Degree in Mathematics and Physics and a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of Glasgow, Scotland.
A leading expert in solar physics, Scott’s research centers on magnetohydrodynamic waves, ultraviolet and extreme ultraviolet radiation, and the decadal evolution of solar plasma. He has authored or co-authored over 150 peer-reviewed articles, including more than 50 as first author, more than a dozen high-impact papers in prestigious journals like Nature and Science. His work, reflected in an H-index over 50 with over 13k citations, spans solar physics, space weather, atomic physics, and instrument development.
Recently, Scott’s research has focused on the evolution of magnetic and emission features in the Sun’s outer atmosphere, revealing connections to sunspot cycles and magnetized Rossby waves in the Sun’s interior. These findings provide critical insights into solar variability across weekly, seasonal, decadal, and centennial scales, advancing our understanding of space weather and its impacts on climate.

Zoom Recording:

https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/gjWEBDbsx7Qe-Vaj7HkwCx_0dFjHLaVbn5mlf2U13vGxibHgbSJZOhu2dhP3cIDK.iJ4MFqXAYtRdS6nH?startTime=1752352455000

Passcode: 0jTJJ#5Y

Meeting summary for Solar Saturday (07/12/2025) 
    
Quick recap

The meeting began with technical preparations for an upcoming presentation, followed by a guest speaker's talk on solar activity and its impacts. The speaker discussed the current solar cycle, future solar missions, and the importance of understanding solar phenomena for space exploration and Earth's systems. The conversation concluded with a discussion on the challenges of space travel and the potential impacts of solar activity on technology and society.

Next steps

-    Scott: Continue monitoring solar cycle 25's progression and provide updates to the White House Space Weather Advisory Panel

-    Scott/Linkerspace: Develop and justify plans for creating a circumhelio constellation of spacecraft for comprehensive solar weather monitoring

-    Scott: Monitor and analyze the potential impacts of solar activity on power grids and water supply systems leading up to solar cycle 26

-    Scott: Monitor for potential major solar events during the 2028-2029 period when the "handedness problem" is expected to occur near the equator

-    Scott: Continue tracking the development of the "battle zone" where two solar activity cycles are competing, particularly for geomagnetic activity impacts

-    Scott/Linkerspace: Refine predictions for solar cycle 26's amplitude and potential risks as more data becomes available over the next 5-6 years

-    EIOLC: Track cycle 26 activity through coronal holes observations as suggested by Scott

Summary

Technical Setup for Presentation

The meeting focused on technical issues related to audio and video setup for an upcoming presentation. EIOLC and others worked to resolve display and connectivity problems, including issues with dual monitors and projector connections. They prepared a warm-up video featuring NASA content to play while waiting for attendees to join. The group discussed the presentation's structure and timing, with Scott set to deliver the main content later in the day.

Scott's Virtual Talk on Solar Observations

Scott, a guest speaker, introduced his talk by apologizing for not being present in person and thanked the club for inviting him to discuss his work. He mentioned his previous talk in December and expressed his readiness to address questions after his presentation. EIOLC provided background on the presentation's visuals, including data from the Parker Space Probe and live views from a ground-based telescope, highlighting the advancements in ground- based solar observation technology.

Solar Cycle 25 Predictions

Scott presented on the declining phase of Solar Cycle 25, highlighting the importance of studying the entire solar cycle rather than just solar maximum. He discussed his team's prediction that Cycle 25 would be significantly higher than peers anticipated, which is holding up against reality. Scott emphasized the exciting opportunities in solar astronomy over the next 5 years, including the European Solar Orbiter mission launching in 2028, and encouraged young minds to pursue careers in the field.

Solar Activity and Space Protection

Scott discussed the importance of studying solar activity to protect technology and human activities from the sun's radiation and matter outbursts. He explained the relationship between solar activity and satellite deorbiting, highlighting the need for predicting and compensating for changes in the space environment. Scott also introduced the concept of Terminator events, where sudden changes in the sun's magnetic activity can have significant impacts on the Earth's atmosphere and cosmic ray protection. He emphasized the importance of understanding these events for future human space exploration, particularly to Mars.

Solar Magnetic Cycle Analysis

Scott presented an in-depth analysis of the sun's complex magnetic activity cycles, explaining how the 22-year magnetic cycle underlies all solar phenomena, including sunspots and filaments. He demonstrated that the sun follows a repeating pattern of activity, with key phases such as Terminator events and solar minimum, and highlighted the "battle zone" where two competing magnetic cycles create enhanced geomagnetic activity. Scott's extended solar cycle model has been successfully predicting solar behavior, including the timing of the current solar minimum and the next Terminator event, and he emphasized the importance of understanding these cycles to protect space assets and potentially shift paradigms in solar physics.

Solar Orbiter's High-Latitude Solar Mission

Scott discussed the Solar Orbiter mission, launched about 5-6 years ago, which will use Venus to increase its latitude to 33 degrees by 2028. He highlighted that something unusual occurs at 55 degrees latitude on the sun, which is not captured by contemporary models. Solar Orbiter will directly measure the bands of cycle 26 and observe the polar coronal holes at high latitudes, potentially revealing significant discoveries about the sun's behavior. Scott also showed graphics and images from various solar missions, emphasizing the evolving nature of the sun's corona and the mystery surrounding high-latitude phenomena.

Solar Cycle and Rossby Waves

Scott discussed the concept of Rossby waves in the sun, which are large-scale waves driven by the sun's rotation and are linked to the extended solar cycle, influencing coronal mass ejections and flares. He noted that despite the sun's reduced activity, massive flares can still occur, and there is an ongoing academic debate about forecasting these events. Scott also explored the relationship between major geomagnetic storms and the evolution of solar cycles, suggesting that such storms might affect the progression of the solar cycle and the sun's magnetic field. He concluded by speculating on the potential impact of future large events on the timing of solar cycles 25 and 26.

Solar Cycle 26 Impact Analysis

Scott discussed the impacts of solar cycles on Earth's systems, particularly focusing on Solar Cycle 26. He explained that while it's too early to predict specific risks, there are concerns about increased geomagnetic activity and its potential effects on power grids and water supplies. Scott emphasized the importance of monitoring solar activity closely over the next 5-6 years to better understand Cycle 26's impact. He also mentioned his work with the White House Space Weather Advisory Panel and his involvement in a project to develop a constellation of spacecraft to better observe and predict solar activity.

Challenges of Mars Space Travel

The discussion focused on the challenges of space travel, particularly the long travel times and radiation exposure associated with missions to Mars. The speaker highlighted the importance of understanding solar activity and magnetic dynamics in the solar system, referencing the Parker Spiral and the impact of solar storms on Earth's magnetic field. They also mentioned recent Chinese lunar expeditions and the potential use of lunar caverns as a stepping stone for future space exploration. The conversation touched on the Carrington event of 1859 as a historical reference for solar storms and their potential impact on modern technology and society.

Best, Zoom

June 28^th 2025 - 8:30 

Title: Seeing the Universe in Color

Presenter: Professor Brent Studer, Kirkwood Community College

Synopsis: Tonight we’ll learn about how light is produced and explore how it is perceived by the eyes and brain. Astronomical image processing has advanced far beyond the days when photographic plates or film was exposed and developed in dark rooms. Today’s space telescopes—and indeed, many astrophotographers in their own backyards—use sophisticated digital detectors collecting data for hours that eventually need to be processed to create the extraordinary images presented to the public. Come along for the journey to learn about light, how astronomical images are created, and even how you can make your own creations using freely available data sets and tools.

Title: James Webb Space Telescope: History, Prospects, and Successes

Presenter: University of Iowa Professor David Nataf

Brief Synopsis:

The James Webb Space Telescope, launched in 2021, is currently humanity’s most powerful telescope, by virtue of its large mirror, its excellent location in space, and its outstanding instruments. As it is also among our most expensive scientific instruments, a lot is vested into its development and it is worth exploring its performance. In this talk, I will describe the history of James Webb, how it was developed, and some of its early scientific successes in the areas of exoplanets, the cosmological distance ladder, and the formation and evolution of the Universe.

Recording: https://www.zoom.us/rec/play/yBvV_CNbWvU9I0DM1US4uGLyloz1U3GlO1uNRVZynw1lMFShpxONABpf2CHv32zIKibTafgBtmgXPTg.jXCZipZoGnknPAZa?autoplay=true

Meeting Summary:

Quick recap

The Eastern Iowa Observatory, run by Cedar Amateur Astronomers, hosted a presentation about the James Webb Space Telescope, highlighting its construction, capabilities, and scientific objectives. The speaker discussed the telescope's comparison with Hubble, its engineering challenges, and its instruments for observing galaxies, exoplanets, and dark matter. The presentation covered early science results from Webb, including unexpected findings about galaxy brightness and ongoing research efforts, while also encouraging interest in astronomical careers and future observatories.

Next steps

• Professor Natoff: Continue analyzing and calibrating the Andromeda and Triangulum galaxy images from James Webb to improve precision from current 1-2% error rates
• EIOLC Team: Schedule and announce the screening of NASA's new documentary "Cosmic Dawn" about James Webb Space Telescope findings
• EIOLC Team: Update the website with information about group visit reservations at $2 per person
• EIOLC Team: Continue selling James Webb logo merchandise at the desk for $10

Summary

James Webb Telescope Observatory Update

The Eastern Iowa Observatory, run by Cedar Amateur Astronomers, promotes astronomy through STEM education and public events. They charge $2 per person with a minimum of $30 for group visits to view telescopes. The observatory has a display about the James Webb Space Telescope, which was directed by NASA from 1961 to 1968. A new documentary called "Cosmic Dawn" about the James Webb Space Telescope's science may be shown at the observatory. Professor Spangler introduced the speaker, who has experience with both the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes, and discussed the various areas of astronomy, including extragalactic research.

James Webb Space Telescope Overview

David Natoff, a University of Iowa colleague originally from Montreal, presented on the James Webb Space Telescope, highlighting its construction by 1,200 scientists and engineers from 14 countries. He explained the telescope's capabilities, including its 6.5-meter mirror for gathering more light and capturing sharper images, and detailed its complex deployment process. Natoff also discussed the telescope's orbit, which allows it to operate continuously, unlike Hubble, and mentioned its historical context as the result of U.S. astronomical community recommendations over the decades.

JWST vs Hubble: Engineering Advancements

The discussion focused on comparing the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) with Hubble, highlighting JWST's larger mirror and its ability to capture sharper images, particularly in infrared light. EIOLC explained the engineering challenges of making large, perfectly flat mirrors and described JWST's design, including its honeycomb structure and protective shield. They also discussed the cost of JWST, noting that while it exceeded its original budget, improvements in cost projections and project management for future telescopes like Nancy Grace Roman have been made.

Webb Telescope's Early Universe Insights

The speaker discussed the James Webb Space Telescope's original aim to observe the first light from the universe, which is estimated to have occurred around 200-300 million years after the Big Bang, though current observations have only reached 400 million years post-Bang. They explained that while the standard model suggests the universe formed 13.7 billion years ago, there are uncertainties about the timeline of first star formation and whether early stars were similar to modern ones or supermassive. The speaker also covered how galaxies form through computer simulations showing how density fluctuations lead to galaxy formation and evolution, noting that while we live in a galaxy with about 200 billion stars, the exact formation mechanisms remain unknown.

James Webb Space Telescope Instruments

The speaker explained the instruments on the James Webb Space Telescope, including a near infrared camera, mid infrared imager, near infrared spectrograph, and near infrared imager/slitless spectrograph, each operating at different wavelengths to capture detailed images and spectra of celestial objects. They described how Webb's instruments can take sharper images from space compared to ground-based telescopes, allowing for better resolution and the ability to study multiple objects simultaneously. The speaker concluded by highlighting three successful achievements of the telescope since its launch, though these were not specified in the transcript.

Exoplanet Atmosphere Study Progress

EIOLC discussed the study of exoplanet atmospheres, highlighting the progress made in understanding their chemistry and the diversity of planetary systems beyond our solar system. They explained the discovery of exoplanets, including hot Jupiters and warm Neptunes, and the use of transmission spectra to analyze their atmospheres. EIOLC emphasized the importance of developing skills and technology to study smaller planets, like Earth, in the future, and mentioned upcoming observatories like the Habitable Worlds Observatory and Tianlin. They also described a simulation of observing a planetary system with a coronagraph, showcasing the potential to detect and analyze exoplanets' movements and atmospheres.

James Webb's Surprising Galaxy Discoveries

The speaker discussed early science results from the James Webb Space Telescope, highlighting that galaxies observed 450 million years after the Big Bang were unexpectedly bright, five to ten times brighter than expected, which poses a challenge to current models of the universe. They explained that this discrepancy could indicate a problem with the Hubble tension, where measurements of the universe's expansion rate differ from predictions, and while James Webb's sharper images have reduced some errors, the underlying tension remains unresolved. The speaker also shared ongoing work with James Webb data, noting improvements in image quality and calibration efforts, and encouraged those interested in astronomy to consider careers in the field, as the telescope is expected to significantly advance astronomical research over the next few decades.

Dark Matter and Exoplanet Detection

The speaker discussed dark matter, explaining that while its exact nature remains unknown, it is believed to account for additional mass and gravity observed in galaxies beyond what is explained by visible matter. They described how the James Webb Space Telescope detects exoplanets using the transit method, noting that while it can observe planets that have already been detected by other telescopes, the probability of detecting Earth-like planets around Sun-like stars is very low due to alignment requirements. The speaker also expressed uncertainty about the universe's exact age of 13.7 billion years, citing potential issues with the current cosmological model and measurements of Hubble's constant.

May 17^th 2025 - 8:30

Title:  Why Can’t Astronomers Agree on the Universe’s Expansion Rate?

Presenter: University of Iowa Prof. Hai Fu

Brief synopsis:

For nearly a century, humanity has known that we reside in an expanding universe. The rate of this cosmic expansion is quantified by the Hubble constant (H₀), defined as the ratio of a galaxy’s recession velocity (caused by spatial expansion) to its distance from Earth. Astronomers use galaxies as tracers to measure this value, yet even today, they have not reached consensus on H₀—current estimates vary by ~7%, defying expectations of modern precision (1-2%). In this talk, I will dissect the root of this enduring problem and reveal how local gravitational effects, periodic variable stars, and subtle statistical biases have collectively misled the field.

Recording:

https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/play/x3JHJJyS1t4_Cj-8V736B33DBQLcIJbtQb_1L4KxAUPODID5ZuGSn0zJgeAX7lI_D445Sias9YX9dw4p.von-vuPMhGnR03Hd?autoplay=true

Quick recap

Title: What Causes the Northern Lights and How to Predict When They will Occur

Presenter: Jodie McLennan, graduate research assistant - University of Iowa

The northern lights, also called the aurora borealis, have been recently widely sighted due to a peak in the Sun's activity cycle (even in Iowa!). In this talk you will hear about what causes the northern lights and what it can tell us about the dynamics of energetic particles in the near-Earth space environment. There are publicly available tools online that can help us predict when and where we see the aurora. Oftentimes media sources will over-promise the extent to which we can see aurora events, though it can be difficult even with the data to know exactly when we will see the northern lights. We will go over how to use these tools and their limitations so that you can predict for yourself when is the best time to go out and see the aurora!

Recording:

March 22^nd 2025 - 7:30

Title: A Close Look at the Planet Mars

Presenter: Professor Steven Spangler - Professor Emeritus - University of Iowa

Mars is one of the four "terrestrial planets" in the solar system that approximately resemble the Earth.  Every two years, it comes especially close to the Earth in a configuration called "opposition".  Opposition this year was on January 16, so we are about two months past that date.  Nonetheless, Mars is closer than it usually is, and it is perfectly located for observing in the evening sky.  In this talk I will describe where Mars is in space, and how that location affects its properties.  I will also describe the ongoing spacecraft exploration of Mars, and all the amazing things we have learned about the "Red Planet" in the last fifty to sixty years. 

 Meeting recording:

https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/hSInSlHoH37E2NVpl0wcfzmQWD_tpu-g9Sbi2WoM93EBC6uvonVmq7NQeIsKgKLo.QJQVhYmzkY3uAB4C?startTime=1742689790000

Passcode: !133+rY9

February 15^th 2025 - 7:30 - Virtual only

Title:  The Cosmic Distance Ladder 

Presenter:  Dave Falkner – MAS Member and NASA Solar System Ambassador

This presentation will discuss measuring the vast distances in the universe. Dave will start with the early attempts to measure distances to celestial bodies. Moving forward through history, Dave will introduce the improvements in instrumentation and discoveries made, and the use of “standard candles” which not only expanded our view of the universe but enabled us to quantify distances. Dave will wrap up by talking about some of the challenges that remain in determining distances in space.

Dave has been a life-long amateur astronomer. He first became interested in astronomy as a pre-teen when his father took him to a show at the Holcolm Planetarium in Indianapolis.  He became hooked and has had an interest in astronomy ever since. 

After retiring from the US Navy, Dave settled in Minnesota and became an active member of the Minnesota Astronomical Society (MAS). He has served as its President from 2011 – 2014, and 2019 – 2020, and as Secretary from 2023-2024. As a member of the MAS, Dave enjoyed performing astronomical outreach often speaking to groups at libraries, nature centers and schools.

In 2011 Dave traveled to Tucson, AZ to view the Transit of Venus at the Mount Lemmon Observatory in Tucson and visited Kitt Peak National Observatory while he was there. In 2017 he traveled to Casper, WY in 2017 and Indianapolis in 2024 to view the total eclipse of the Sun. In December 2022 Dave traveled to Chile to visit the US Research telescopes located there and became part of the Astronomy in Chile Educators Ambassador Program (ACEAP) educating the public about the telescopes and research astronomy being conducted there.

Dave is a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador where he educates the public about space, space exploration and NASA missions in particular. Along with his outreach activities Dave has taught beginning Astronomy classes at a local community college and has published three books; two editions of “Mythology of the Night Sky” and the book “The Stories of Astronomers and Their Stars.” 

Meeting recording:

January 18^th 2025 - 7:30 - Virtual only

Title: "Science from Across the Solar System and Beyond."

Presenter: Dr. T. Joseph Lazio, Jet Propulsion Laboratory

 Almost all of the images of planets, and many of the images from the Universe beyond, obtained by NASA’s spacecraft are able to be seen only because of NASA’s Deep Space Network.  Much more than just a critical part of NASA’s missions, the Deep Space Network is a science instrument in its own right.  In this presentation, I will provide a brief introduction both to the Deep Space Network and some of the science results obtained from it.

Recorded meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/O7t9mbjAQRFGSiKGrjFBantMgI1fcRhhtBWIikV6UJE5KGB-ev9k88VnaXaSJIzV.vwykFwSB5eWrsD-V
Passcode: 1i9p^XsX

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