Curious about how the universe actually works? Join the experts from UBC's Department of Physics & Astronomy to find out fun facts about everything from eclipses to space junk in this new, accessible science series. All are welcome!
How the Universe Works is a new partnership with the Vancouver Public Library and the Department of Physics & Astronomy. Monthly talks are posted on the VPL events page here: Events | Vancouver Public Library | BiblioCommons. Please register to attend!
Abstract:
In light of the upcoming lunar eclipse on March 13-14, we’ll dive into the fascinating science behind both lunar and solar eclipses, exploring the unique geometry of our solar system that makes these celestial events possible. Since both types of eclipses can be observed without modern, complex optical instruments, we’ll take a brief look at the rich history of eclipse watching, spanning more than 2000 years, showing that this fascination is far from a recent craze. We’ll then look ahead to the eclipse of 2025 with practical tips for observing, including guidance on choosing the ideal viewing location.
Bio:
Dr. Thomas J. Rennie is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of British Columbia, where he specializes in analyzing and interpreting radio maps of the Milky Way. After obtaining his Ph.D., Dr. Rennie joined UBC to work on the Canadian Galactic Emission Mapper (CGEM) project, which focuses on a new telescope being built at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) in Penticton, BC. CGEM maps will play a key role in a global effort to further our understanding of our Galaxy and to look deeper and reveal the echo of the Big Bang (the Cosmic Microwave Background, or CMB) and probe the very earliest moments in the history of the universe.
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2025-02-20T18:00:002025-02-20T19:30:00Eclipses - Lunar Eclipse 2025Event Information:
Curious about how the universe actually works? Join the experts from UBC's Department of Physics & Astronomy to find out fun facts about everything from eclipses to space junk in this new, accessible science series. All are welcome!
How the Universe Works is a new partnership with the Vancouver Public Library and the Department of Physics & Astronomy. Monthly talks are posted on the VPL events page here: Events | Vancouver Public Library | BiblioCommons. Please register to attend!
Abstract:
In light of the upcoming lunar eclipse on March 13-14, we’ll dive into the fascinating science behind both lunar and solar eclipses, exploring the unique geometry of our solar system that makes these celestial events possible. Since both types of eclipses can be observed without modern, complex optical instruments, we’ll take a brief look at the rich history of eclipse watching, spanning more than 2000 years, showing that this fascination is far from a recent craze. We’ll then look ahead to the eclipse of 2025 with practical tips for observing, including guidance on choosing the ideal viewing location.
Bio:
Dr. Thomas J. Rennie is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of British Columbia, where he specializes in analyzing and interpreting radio maps of the Milky Way. After obtaining his Ph.D., Dr. Rennie joined UBC to work on the Canadian Galactic Emission Mapper (CGEM) project, which focuses on a new telescope being built at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) in Penticton, BC. CGEM maps will play a key role in a global effort to further our understanding of our Galaxy and to look deeper and reveal the echo of the Big Bang (the Cosmic Microwave Background, or CMB) and probe the very earliest moments in the history of the universe.Event Location:
Vancouver Public Library - Central Branch (Montalbano Family Theatre); 350 West Georgia St., Vancouver / V6B 6B1
