Recap: Oct 13

While it is reading week at York University, we were still able to draw few hard core astronomers/planetary scientists.  Lots of fun was had, here is a list of the topics of discussion:

A Russian company is planning on launching a private space hotel in 2016.  Should we get our cheque books ready?

Congress finally approves a NASA funding package.  FYI: there will be 3 more shuttle launches.

Gliese 581g still has to make it through a lot more scrutiny before anything is really known about it.  For instance, a group out of europe were unable to find the planet that Vogt et al did.

China has launched Chang'e 2 which is now orbiting the moon 100 km up.  look for some high definition images of the surface in the future.

Enceladus has been quite active in the news and on its surface due to a really awesome cassini picture of some geysers.

thanks to all for participating, we'll see you next week!

Research Jamboree: Oct 6t

On Wednesday Oct 6th 2010 the Astronomy Journal Club will be hosting a research jamboree.  Our jamboree will feature short presentations by the actively researching faculty and graduate students in the departments of physics and astronomy and ESSE.  Each presenter will be given 2 minutes to describe the nature of their research and its impacts on their field.

All faculty, graduates, and undergraduates are encouraged to attend the event.  As a faculty or graduate, it is an excellent way to stay current on your department's research.  As an undergraduate, it provides you with the opportunity to see what research is occurring here at York, and helps you make the decision of what direction to take in your academic career.

The jamboree will take place on Wednesday Oct 6th at 12:30pm.  Tea and Coffee will be provided.

For Presenters:

Should you wish to participate, please email Jesse Rogerson (rogerson@yorku.ca).  Each presenter is given 2 minutes, which will be strictly enforced.  Should you go over the 2 min limit, an alarm will sound continuously.  You may use as many slides as you like in the time frame. Please submit the slides to Jesse in PDF format only by Monday October 4th at midnight.

thank you to all those participating!