MT. TAM STATE PARK - 2011 ASTRONOMY PROGRAM

Mt. Tamalpais State Park
Explore the Wonders of the Universe

2011 ASTRONOMY PROGRAMS
our 23rd season on the mountain

This is an educational program designed to give the general public and students of all ages and background a better understanding of our universe by hearing about current theories and discoveries followed by an opportunity to observe through telescopes.

The evenings are held each Saturday between the new and first quarter moon from April through October. A talk by a professional astronomer, physicist, or space scientist begins in the Mountain Theater near the end of twilight and lasts about 45 minutes. These presentations are typically enhanced by beautiful images projected on a large screen. The audience is invited to ask questions at the end.

Following the lecture, audience members are invited to the Rock Spring parking  area to view through telescopes provided by members of the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers. The observing session (or "starparty") lasts from 1 to 1 1/2 hours, depending on the seeing conditions and the size of the crowd.

June 4, 8:30 pm- Dr. Michael Kuhlen,Theoretical Astrophysics Center

“The Milky Way as a Dark Matter Laboratory”
Over the next decade, a combination of astronomical observations and particle physics experiments hold great promise to finally shed light on the nature of dark matter, the dominant contributor to the matter content of the universe.

July 9, 8:30 pm - Dr. Anja von der Linden, Stanford University

“Nature’s Biggest Lenses” Gravitational lensing allows us to study dark matter, find exoplanets, and see the first objects in the universe.

Aug 6, 8:30 pm -  Dr. Steve Bryson, NASA-Ames Research Center

“Kepler's Vision: Exoplanets and Songs of the Stars” Since mid-2009, NASA’s Kepler space telescope has been constantly watching about 160,000 stars with the ultimate goal of finding Earth-sized planets in Earth-like orbits around Sun-like stars.

Sept 3 , 8:00pm -  Dr. Kirill Filimonov, UC Berkeley

“Extreme Astronomy: Eyeing the Cosmos through a Cubic Kilometer of Ice” Why physicists are fishing for elusive cosmic neutrinos using Ice Cube, the world’s largest telescope located on the harshest continent on the planet.

Oct 1,  7:30pm -  Dr. Anne Metevier, UC Santa Cruz/Sonoma State University

“Milky Way Galaxies Across the Universe”
The universe contains many vast galaxies containing stars, gas, and dust. What do we know about the formation and evolution of galaxies most like our own Milky Way?

Directions: From Highway 101 take the Highway 1, Stinson Beach exit. At Tam Junction (the first stop light), turn left onto the Shoreline Highway (also called Highway 1). In about 2 miles turn right onto Panoramic Highway. In another 3/4 miles the road splits 3 ways. Take the middle fork. In about 5 miles the Pan Toll Ranger Station will be on your left. Turn right through the gates across the road from the station and continue for about another 1 1/2 miles to the Rock Springs parking area.

Mountain Theater
The programs, held in the outdoor amphitheater, are about a three minute walk from the parking area. We gather at the end of evening twilight, and when visibility is adequate. But, by the time the program is concluded (45 minute to 1 hour) it will be dark. Bring flashlights. There are lanterns along the path and on the stairs at the theater, but if you feel that you need any assistance please do not hesitate to ask one of the State Park volunteers to help you. There are also a few flashlights available for loan at the Mountain Theater which can be returned at Rock Spring when you are finished with them.