Astronomy and Astrophysics from Antarctica
A talk by Dr. John P. Wefel (VU ‘66), Louisiana State University, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Friday, April 17, 7:30 pm in Neils Science Center 234
Antarctica is the “continent of science.” While best known for the early explorers (e.g., Scott) who traveled there to cross the continent and reach the South Pole, modern day explorers are more likely to wear white lab coats and be studying a wide variety of scientific questions, including those in astronomy and astrophysics. Antarctic facilities include telescopes, neutron monitors, in-ice detectors for high-energy neutrinos, and balloon launch infrastructure for high altitude investigations. The last, in particular, offer some of the best means to study cosmic rays, cosmic microwave background radiation, and cosmic infrared radiation. Highlights from several of these investigations will be discussed along with the living and working conditions on the frozen continent.
8:30-9:30 Telescope viewing at VU Observatory ( or Planetarium show in NSC if cloudy)
9:30-10:30 Remote telescopic viewing through the SARA telescope in Arizona (NSC 234)
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