An Evening Exploring the Solar System and Beyond

Planetary science featured in FREE event with Bill Nye and Pluto-mission leader Alan Stern

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Oct 14, 2016, 04:36 ET

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 1,200 space scientists are coming to Pasadena, California, for the joint 48th meeting of the Division for Planetary Sciences (DPS) of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) and 11th European Planetary Science Congress (EPSC). They invite the public to join them for an evening of art, science, and stargazing at the Pasadena Convention Center on Thursday, October 20th. This FREE public event is part of Pasadena Astronomy Week (http://www.cityofastronomy.org) and is cosponsored by The Planetary Society.

Astronomer Jason Kendall (left) shares the view through his 15-inch-diameter telescope with visitors to Boston Common at a star party held during the June 2014 meeting of the American Astronomical Society. AAS photo (C) 2014 Joson Images.

The festivities get under way at 6 pm PDT with "The Art of Planetary Science," an exhibition of original paintings and other works of art celebrating the beauty and wonder of planetary exploration. Visitors will get to meet representatives from astronomical observatories and NASA space missions as they tour the Convention Center exhibit hall.

Then, in the Convention Center ballroom at 7 pm, Planetary Society CEO Bill Nye the Science Guy will give the Cosmos Award for Outstanding Public Presentation of Science to Dr. Alan Stern (Southwest Research Institute), lead scientist for NASA's New Horizons mission. Dr. Stern will present "The Exploration of Pluto" featuring that mission's latest images and discoveries. His talk will be followed by "Brave New Worlds: Planets in Our Galaxy," presented by Dr. Giovanna Tinetti (University College London), one of Europe's leading researchers studying planets beyond our own solar system.

After the talks, join local scientists and amateur astronomers for a "star party" on the plaza outside the Convention Center in front of the Civic Auditorium. You don't need to own or know how to operate a telescope; all you have to do is show up! Suitable for adults and kids ages 10 and up, this event offers a unique opportunity to explore the universe overhead with astronomers available to answer all your questions. We will cancel the star party in case of overcast skies or rain and post a notice on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/1171792546192417.

The AAS offers complimentary press registration to qualified local media representatives who wish to cover the DPS/EPSC meeting; see https://aas.org/meetings/dps48/press-information for details.

The AAS, established in 1899 and based in Washington, DC, is the major organization of professional astronomers and planetary scientists in North America. Its membership of about 7,000 also includes physicists, mathematicians, geologists, engineers, and others whose research interests lie within the broad spectrum of subjects now comprising contemporary astronomy. The mission of the AAS is to enhance and share humanity's scientific understanding of the universe.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161014/428946

SOURCE American Astronomical Society