NSF PA/M 02-02 - January 3, 2002
Gemini to be Highlighted at D.C. Astronomy Meeting
Findings from the National Science Foundation's (NSF)
newest observatory, a view of the Orion Nebula, and
the latest on the cosmic microwave background will
be featured at the American Astronomical Society meeting
at the Washington Hilton and Towers, Washington, D.C.,
Jan. 6-10, 2002.
DISCOVERIES FROM GEMINI NORTH
Press conference: Mon., Jan. 7, 12:30 p.m.
Gemini North, fitted with the emerging technology
adaptive optics, made two remarkable discoveries in
the nearby universe, including one from a collaboration
with the nearby Keck Observatory. The 8-meter Gemini
North was built by NSF and six other partner nations.
WHY STUDY NEARBY GALAXIES?
Special session: Mon., Jan. 7, 8:30-9:20 a.m.
National Science Board member Vera Rubin believes
studies of nearby galaxies still have a lot to offer,
particularly in the analysis of distant galaxies.
COSMIC MICROWAVE BACKGROUND ANISOTROPY AND DARK
MATTER
Oral session: Mon., Jan. 7, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
NSF-supported teams join other researchers in this
update on evidence of the early universe and what
it reveals about the composition of the universe.
UPCOMING GEMINI SOUTH DEDICATION
NSF press reception: Tues., Jan. 8, 6 p.m.
NSF highlights the Jan. 18 dedication of Gemini South
on the summit of Cerro Pachon, Chile. See dramatic
footage.
PROTECTING THE DARK SKY FROM LIGHT POLLUTION
Special session: Wed., Jan. 9, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Philip Ianna, of the University of Virginia and NSF,
and the International Dark Sky Association discuss
the importance of darkness for astronomy research.
DISCOVERIES OF NEARBY STARS
Press conference: Thurs., Jan. 10, 11:30 a.m.
Display: Thurs., Jan. 10, 9:20 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
NSF staff member Philip Ianna joins colleagues in
revealing the results of efforts to discover new neighbors
with observations from the Southern Hemisphere.
ORION NEBULA: COMBINED IMAGE FROM THE VERY LARGE
ARRAY AND GREEN BANK TELESCOPE
Press conference: Thurs., Jan. 10, 9:30 a.m.
Display: Thurs., Jan. 10, 9:20 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Members of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory
reveal a sophisticated view of the Orion Nebula, from
two of NSF's radio astronomy facilities.
For more information contact:
Amber Jones (703) 292-8070/aljones@nsf.gov
For an agenda of the meeting, see: www.aas.org/meetings/aas199/program/
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