Program: What’s Happening up in Space: NASA Missions
Dean McCall
Our own Dean McCall shared more information regarding exciting advancements in the space industry. Download his presentation from our club website in the file downloads tab, or simply click here, Dean's Presentation. It also has web links to interesting internet sites.
Dean explained the importance of being able to search the entire electromagnetic spectrum in our quest to learn more about space. He shared some of the results of a recent space launch that uses of microwaves to measure water vapor on the earth. The electromagnetic spectrum can give science a picture of what is happening in the world of space. For example, gamma and x-rays give scientists information about active galaxies, remnants from massive dying stars, and accretion of matter around black holes. Longer wavelengths of the spectrum see dark, cool, obscured objects, dusty star-forming areas, etc. Being able to examine the entire spectrum also enables us to identify space junk, meteoroids and micrometeoroids. This helps us understand the universe and how we can use that knowledge to benefit us on earth.
Our solar system has more than the sun and planets. It includes the asteroid belt, outer planets, Kuiper belt (contains our outer planets), and the Oort cloud---billions of comets that are part of our solar system.
Although NASA currently does not send humans into space, it is still very active with programs in space. These include:
- Discovery (Deep Impact; Kepler—looking for exo-planets, some of which could sustain life)
- New Frontiers (New Horizons—just went past Pluto and learned a lot of new information and now is looking beyond Pluto)
- Solar System Exploration (looking for near-earth asteroids). Objects in space that could impact earth with catastrophic consequences. The technology currently exists to redirect those objects if they are found.
These programs are far less expensive than the manned space missions. They provide scientific exploration, and many of these missions can be re-purposed when the primary mission is complete.
Announcements/Business:
- MAHGS: Janine updated us on the planning, we are well ahead of last year's show. Sponsors are the current focus.
- Visioning: Please review the jobs sheet and determine where you can best help the club.
- 285 Back Pack Project: The PCCP Resale-Boutique and Bailey presented an additional $250 for the 285 Back Pack Project, for a total this year of $2775!
- Suzanne gave a quick report on Choose Outdoors and the Capitol Christmas Tree lighting in Washington D.C. Choose Outdoors works with the Forest Service to select the tree---this year from Montana---and move it to the Capitol. Choose Outdoors is an organization that was founded by Bruce Ward, former Conifer Rotarian.
- The Holiday Party: 6:00PM this Friday, December 15, at Dean and Lenore McCall’s home. Bring an ornament for the Peace Shelter tree. If you haven’t signed up, please contact Suzanne.
- The Fitzsimmons Middle School Interact Club has a project to write and send Holiday Cards for our military in Afganistan.
- The Conifer High School Interact Club and peer counselors raised money for Shelter Boxes (shelterbox.org), $810.85.
- Interactors’ fund-raisers have a link for their events on our club web-site. The funds raised will help send the students to Kenya this summer. They will be building a playground for handicapped children, and they will be taking shoes for handicapped kids and school supplies.
- The evening club has a project providing copies of the Constitution for 5th graders.
- MRC Christmas party will be this Saturday. Volunteers are needed.