NCAR Explorer Series: Keeping an Eye on the Sun’s Magnetism

Join us for a free lecture with National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) scientist Dr. Rebecca Centeno Elliott. To the human eye, the Sun appears as a ball of light suspended in the daytime sky. Despite its deceiving stillness, a closer look shows us that the Sun’s atmosphere is alive and full of activity. Every second of every minute, strong winds from the Sun constantly sweep through space. Occasionally, the Sun brews large storms that send vast amounts of hot material and radiation into space. All of this activity, known as Space Weather, puts our increasingly technological society at risk.

This talk is part of our Thursday Nights @ the Museum series. Join us every Thursday from Jan. 23 – May 1 for concerts, films, and free talks in the Longmont Museum’s Stewart Auditorium.

Learn more about our other Thursday Night programs.

The Museum galleries are also open late on Thursday nights. Explore the Picasso exhibit with extra hours from 5 – 9 pm before your program.

Dr. Rebecca Centeno (Project Scientist, High Altitude Observatory, NCAR) uses her background in Physics and Astrophysics to research the magnetic forces within the Sun that cause solar storms. These “impulsive events,” as she describes, happen when the Sun releases material and radiation into space. Solar storms can interfere with satellite navigation, radio communication, and power grid operation. She enjoys research because it’s like a puzzle and explains, “you have to search for the pieces land] figure out how to put them together.” There is always something new to learn!

Attend in person by making a reservation at the link above

or

Watch Online 

Live streamed to Facebook 

On Longmont Public Media or through LPM Roku App for your smart TV and

Local Comcast Channel 8/880