January 2002

From National Science Foundation

Gemini to be highlighted at DC Astronomy meeting

Findings from the National Science Foundation's (NSF) newest observatory, a view of the Orion Nebula, and the latest on the cosmic microwave background will be featured at the American Astronomical Society meeting at the Washington Hilton and Towers, Washington, D.C., Jan. 6-10, 2002.

Discoveries from Gemini North
Press conference: Mon., Jan. 7, 12:30 p.m.
Gemini North, fitted with the emerging technology adaptive optics, made two remarkable discoveries in the nearby universe, including one from a collaboration with the nearby Keck Observatory. The 8-meter Gemini North was built by NSF and six other partner nations.

Why study nearby galaxies?
Special session: Mon., Jan. 7, 8:30-9:20 a.m.
National Science Board member Vera Rubin believes studies of nearby galaxies still have a lot to offer, particularly in the analysis of distant galaxies.

Cosmic microwave background Anisotropy and dark matter
Oral session: Mon., Jan. 7, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
NSF-supported teams join other researchers in this update on evidence of the early universe and what it reveals about the composition of the universe.

Upcoming Gemini South dedication
NSF press reception: Tues., Jan. 8, 6 p.m.
NSF highlights the Jan. 18 dedication of Gemini South on the summit of Cerro Pachon, Chile. See dramatic footage.

Protecting the dark sky from light pollution
Special session: Wed., Jan. 9, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Philip Ianna, of the University of Virginia and NSF, and the International Dark Sky Association discuss the importance of darkness for astronomy research.

Discoveries of nearby stars
Press conference: Thurs., Jan. 10, 11:30 a.m.
Display: Thurs., Jan. 10, 9:20 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
NSF staff member Philip Ianna joins colleagues in revealing the results of efforts to discover new neighbors with observations from the Southern Hemisphere.

Orion Nebula: Combined image from the very large array and green bank telescope
Press conference: Thurs., Jan. 10, 9:30 a.m.
Display: Thurs., Jan. 10, 9:20 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Members of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory reveal a sophisticated view of the Orion Nebula, from two of NSF's radio astronomy facilities.

For further information, contact: Amber Jones 703-292-8070, [email protected].
For an agenda of the meeting, see: http://www.aas.org/meetings/aas199/program



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