Posted by Chris Radcliff in Calendar, Mars Society on July 7, 2009
July 30, 2009 to August 2, 2009
Location:
University of Maryland
College Park, MD
Join hundreds of Mars experts and enthusiasts to hear the latest news and research from Mars, and advance the cause of human space exploration.
Speakers include Mars scientists from the Mars Exploration Rovers, Mars Science Laboratory, and other NASA missions, plus artists, historians, engineers, and more.
Online registration is available at the Mars Society Convention site.
Posted by Chris Radcliff in Calendar, Space Elevator on June 29, 2009
August 13, 2009 to August 16, 2009
Location:
Microsoft Conference Center
Redmond, WA
The Space Elevator is a radical new way to access space less expensively than possible with chemical rocket technology. The technology offers solutions to many of the problems facing communities today, including but not limited to the need for clean, renewable energy.
The Space Elevator uses a carbon nanotube ribbon that stretches from the surface of the earth to a counterweight in space. Climbers ascend the ribbon, lifting cargo and passengers to earth orbits and launching space ships to distant planets.
The 2009 Space Elevator Conference focuses on all aspects of Space Elevator development, engaging an international audience of scientists, engineers, educators, managers, entrepreneurs, enthusiasts and students. This conference will feature topical discussions in all of the four pillars of Space Elevator development: science/technical, political/social, legal, and economic. Other topics include the space missions and the style of life on Earth that Space Elevator technology will enable.
Posted by Chris Radcliff in Calendar, Space Elevator on June 2, 2009
Wed, Aug 5, 2009
Location:
NASA Dryden Flight Research Center (watch on NASA TV)
Edwards Air Force Base, Mojave, CA
The 2009 Space Elevator Games are on! A two-million-dollar prize purse provided by the NASA Centennial Challenges has been lined up, six teams are slated to participate, and it’s all happening in our (relative) backyard: NASA Dryden in Mojave.
Unfortunately, we won’t be able to attend, at least not in person. As mentioned on the Space Elevator Blog:
Because of the logistics involved, mainly the use of high-powered lasers and the competition’s location at a secure facility, it will not be open to the public. At http://www.spaceelevatorgames.org, which is the official site of this competition (or on this blog, of course) you will be able to follow all of the events as they are happening. The competition will be televised, live, on NASA TV.
Can’t wait!
Posted by Chris Radcliff in Astronomy, Calendar on May 22, 2009
August 20, 2009 to August 23, 2009
Location:
Menghini Winery (map)
Julian, CA
Julian Starfest will be your opportunity to enjoy some outstanding astronomy while also enjoying the astronomy vendor exhibition area, swap meet, guest lecturers, tour of Palomar Observatory and camaraderie that comes with associating with fellow astronomers. Last year’s event was the largest star party in California in 2008, with over 1600 attendees.
Julian has some of the darkest, steadiest skies in Southern California, and at 4,300′ in elevation, offers superb astronomical viewing. Menghini Winery, two miles north of Julian, offers a level, dust free, camping and viewing area for 100 vehicles. Additional parking is available for people interested in only attending for a day. Camping, although somewhat primitive, will have toilets and wash stations available for attendees.
The town of Julian, just a short five minutes away, offers a variety of entertainment, shopping and dining experiences as well as renowned bed and breakfast inns and hotels, for those wishing a bit less ‘rugged’ accommodations.
