Eastbay Astronomical Society | EAS Monthly Presentation: The Solar Wind

Lecture by Dr. Christopher Chen: The Solar Wind
Sponsored by the Eastbay Astronomical Society

Date: Saturday, May 18, 2013

Time: 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. Pacific

Location: Chabot Space & Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd
Oakland, CA 94619

Instructions for the Public:

LECTURE/PRESENTATION BY:
Dr. Christopher Chen

ABSTRACT:
I will present an introduction to the solar wind, the stream of charged particles that flows away from the Sun and fills interplanetary space. I will describe the journey made by the solar wind, from when it is born at the surface of the Sun to when it reaches the edge of the solar system and merges into the interstellar medium. Along its journey, the solar wind interacts with planets, moons, comets and cosmic rays as well as undergoing its own dynamical processes, which allows us to investigate some deep mysteries of fundamental physics. I will show how cutting edge spacecraft instrumentation has enabled us to learn about the solar wind and will discuss some remaining unanswered questions and the future missions we have planned to attempt to resolve them.

BIOGRAPHY
Dr Christopher Chen is a research scientist at the Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL), University of California, Berkeley. He joined SSL in 2011, having completed his PhD in Space Physics at Imperial College London. He researches the physics of the solar wind using spacecraft data and is a member of the team working on the NASA Solar Probe Plus mission, which will send a spacecraft into the solar corona for the first time. For more information see:http://sprg.ssl.berkeley.edu/~chen.

MEETING ROOM:
The lecture will be held at Chabot Space an Science Center in the Hauben Room at 7:30 PM. The rookm is on the second floor, across from the Apollo Landing Simulation.

COST:
There is no fee for attending this event. Our programs are made possible solely by your annual membership dues, donations, and occasional small contributions for food and drinks. We simply could not provide these presentations without the continued support of our members. Also, your attendance and your participation in our lectures help make them more interesting, enjoyable, and successful. Thank you.

DINNER WITH OUR GUEST SPEAKER:
Immediately prior to this event, EAS members and guests who are hungry are welcome to join us for dinner with our guest speaker. Casual dining will occur at Hunan Yuan, located at 4100 Redwood Road in Lincoln Square (Oakland, CA 94619). We will congregate in the restaurant starting at approximately 5:30PM.

MAKING CONTACT:
For additional information or to provide feedback regarding this presentation, or to solicit consideration as a guest speaker for a future presentation, or to offer suggestions regarding any EAS program, please contact David Prosper, Program Director, via email at david.prosper@gmail.com, or by phone at 510-457-8346.

Event Poster for The Solar Wind by Dr Christopher Chen 105 KB

Location Details

Chabot Space & Science Center
Atop the Oakland hills Lat: N37.82 Lon: W122.18

10000 Skyline Blvd
Oakland, CA 94619
(click to get directions)

check weather forecast
check clear sky chart
Chabot Space & Science Center

Notes:
Driving Directions
From South of Oakland:
1. Take HWY I-580 west (north) toward OAKLAND.
2. Merge onto HWY CA-13 N toward BERKELEY. approx 0.9 miles.
3. Take the CARSON ST exit toward REDWOOD RD. approx 0.1 miles
4. The exit ramp becomes MOUNTAIN BLVD. approx 0.25 miles.
5. Turn RIGHT onto REDWOOD RD. approx 1.0 miles.
6. Turn LEFT onto SKYLINE BLVD. approx 0.5 miles.
7. Turn RIGHT onto SKYLINE BLVD. approx 0.75 miles
8. Look for the large, concrete sign at the Chabot Space & Science Center entrance driveway, which winds steeply up to the right.

From North of Oakland:
1. Take HWY I-580 east (south) toward OAKLAND.
2. Take exit ramp on right to HWY CA-24 east approx 4.75 miles.
3. Take exit ramp on right to HWY CA-13 S. toward San Leandro approx 3.3 miles
4. Take exit for JOAQUIN MILLER RD./LINCOLN AVE.
5. Turn slight left onto MONTEREY BLVD. approx 0.1 miles
6. Turn left onto LINCOLN AVE. approx 0.1 miles
7. Lincoln Ave. turns into JOAQUIN MILLER RD. approx 1.1 miles
8. Turn left at stoplight to SKYLINE BLVD. approx .7 miles
9. Look for the large, concrete sign at the Chabot Space & Science Center entrance driveway, which winds steeply up to the right.

Contact Eastbay Astronomical Society for more information.

email this club

Phone: (510) 336-7300

Event

Location Details

Event Report