Events Calendar

The VAS will be hosting the annual VAS Stellafane Potluck at the VAS Campsite. Up the hill behind the swap tables.

The VAS is participating as a co-host with Vermont Public for the Eye on the Sky Stargazing Party MC'd by Mark Breen at the Sugarbush Resort
 
https://www.facebook.com/events/677027708481738?active_tab=about

Presentation by 2 VAS members (Jack St. Louis and James Bosek). Open to the public.

Free and Open to the Public

In-person and via Zoom
Ask for the Zoom link from paulwaav@together.net or theresamarie11@GMAIL.COM
VAS Members will be emailed the Zoom link

The in-person will be at the Brownell Library on 2A near 5-Corners in Essex Junction.

If you attend via Zoom please get on-line before 7:30.  If you don't have Zoom installed, the application will automatically download and install when you click the meeting link.  This may take a couple minutes.

PRESENTATION:

How we look up: Terrestrial Observatories. The Big, the Brilliant, and the Downright Bizarre
By Alan Davis

Mankind, in a it's recorded and reported history has always looked to the stars. For guidance, for inspiration, for wonder, and for fear. Because we look up, and because we are never satisfied with how we do a thing, the way we do it has constantly evolved. We will delve into the history of ground based observatories, particularly ones that brought innovation or daring feats of engineering, and bold ideas. Also expanding into how we see the stars without mirrors and lenses, such as radioastronomy, and even observatories that can look at the stars from within the bowels of the Earth.

Following the main presentation, our recurring monthly presentations will include Constellation of the Month  by Terri Zittritsch.

Free and Open to the Public

In-person and via Zoom
Ask for the Zoom link from paulwaav@together.net or theresamarie11@GMAIL.COM
VAS Members will be emailed the Zoom link

The in-person will be at the Brownell Library on 2A near 5-Corners in Essex Junction.

If you attend via Zoom please get on-line before 7:30.  If you don't have Zoom installed, the application will automatically download and install when you click the meeting link.  This may take a couple minutes.

PRESENTATION:

The Weekend of a Lifetime: Two Unexpected Days with a NASA Astronaut
By Steven Shepard

Because of my career as a global telecom advisor and analyst, and as an educator at a handful of universities, I’ve had the opportunity to meet some very, very interesting people over the years. As an example, I had a student in one of my executive programs whose business card read:
Dr. Tom Austin
The Phantom Works, Boeing
Chemical, Biological, Nuclear, and Radiological Initiatives
I got a beer with this guy after class one day; one of the most fascinating and terrifying conversations I’ve ever had.
But other people, while not as professionally frightening but equally interesting, have also been part of the mix. A few years ago I spent a weekend with a NASA astronaut, a guy with a PhD in Astrogeology. I got to ask him all the questions that any self-confessed space geek would ask when given that much time to annoy the poor guy. I learned a great deal about life aboard the ISS, what a typical day in the life is like, and many other things that our group will find interesting.

Bio:
Dr. Steven Shepard is a professional author, speaker, photographer, audio producer, and educator. He has written books and articles on a wide variety of topics, including:
Technology, Biography, Business, Children's books, History, Photography, Storytelling, Audio and Fiction.

Steve is the creator and host of the Natural Curiosity Project Podcast

Steve has done two TED talks:
• The Social Impact of Technology: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGor5l_fHfc
• Leadership According to the Elephant’s Child: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_F8rgbdRGw

Dr. Shepard received his undergraduate degree in Spanish and Romance Philology from the University of California at Berkeley (1976), his master’s degree in international business from St. Mary’s College (1985), and his PhD at the Da Vinci Institute in Rivonia, South Africa (2009).

Following the main presentation, our recurring monthly presentations will include Constellation of the Month  by Terri Zittritsch.