ASTEROIDS, EXOPLANETS and More

Watery, rocky, gaseous, icy, volcano-studded--exoplanets come in all shapes, sizes and materials. Over 5,000 have been confirmed since the first one in 1995. How are they found? Characterized? What is being discovered? Jonathan Brande, a scientist at the University of Kansas' astronomy department's renowned EXOLab, will share his team's work in this fascinating area of astrophysics.

Asteroids are a focus for Solar System Ambassador Sara Lamm. September brings the return of soil samples aken from the near Earth asteroid Bennu. And in October, a mission launches to the asteroid 16 psyche in the Libra constellation. This may be the first metal asteroid. Hear an overview of these missions and their importance.

Keeping our (shaded) eyes on the sky, the Kansas Astronomical Observers have been invited to speak about the upcoming solar eclipses occurring Oct 14, 2023 and April of 2024. Kansas will get 60-80% totality, but total viewing is within driving distance. Solar glasses will be given out.

The Ad Astra Kansas Foundation will talk about its current project for a statewide resolution of an annual Ad Astra Kanas Science Day.

Event is FREE-geared for the general public. Registration at contact@adastra-ks.org is requested, though not required. The Forum will also be livestreamed on Ad Astra Kansas Foundation facebook.