schedule for Saturday February 14


AA01:   
Rotating Galaxies and Dark Matter
  Location: F-Imperial
  Date: Saturday, Feb.14
  Time: 9:00AM - 10:00AM
  Author: Vera Rubin
Carnegie Institute of Washington, Senior Fellow
202.478.8861, rubin@dtm.ciw.edu
  Co-Author(s): None
  Abstract: From the time of the earliest humans to the present, each civilization has told stories about the universe. How we understand the universe is dictated in large measure by the available technology. In the last century, we learned that we inhabit a galaxy of 200 billion stars, that the universe is populated by billions of galaxies, and that galaxies are moving away from each other. Equally important, we now understand that everything evolves: stars are born, evolve, and die; galaxies grow at the expense of their neighbors. I will describe the evidence that the stars, galaxies and clusters of galaxies that populate the universe make up less than 5% of its matter. The remaining matter is dark, and is only detected by its gravitational effect on the bright matter we study. While virtually everything we know about the universe we have learned in the 20th century, still more remains unknown.

BB:   
Frontiers in Space Science and Astronomy
  Location: F-Regent
  Date: Saturday, Feb.14
  Time: 10:00AM - 12:00PM
  Presider: Daniel M. Smith, Jr.,
  Co-Presiders(s): None
  Equipment: N/A
Select Item

BB01:   
The Cosmic Microwave Background: Cosmic Rosetta Stone
  Location: F-Regent
  Date: Saturday, Feb.14
  Time: 10:00AM - 10:30AM
  Author: Michael S Turner
Kavli Institute for Cosmological Physics/University of Chicago
7737027974, mturner@uchicago.edu
  Co-Author(s): None
  Abstract: The Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) provides a very clear view of the universe at a simpler time, the time before stars, galaxies and other structures. By studying the tiny variations (parts in a million) in the CMB intensity across the sky which were discovered by NASA's COBE satellite, we can learn about how the universe began, what it is made of, its vital statistics (age, shape, speed of expansion, etc.) and even clues about its destiny. I will review what WMAP and ground-based CMB experiments have already revealed about the universe, as well as discussing the exciting future ahead with ESA's Planck mission and plans for even bolder experiments in the future.

BB02:   
PLANCK: Looking Back Toward the Dawn of Time
  Location: F-Regent
  Date: Saturday, Feb.14
  Time: 10:30AM - 11:00AM
  Author: George F Smoot, III
University of California, Berkeley, US Planck Team
(510) 486-6872, GFSmoot@lbl.gov
  Co-Author(s): Charles R. Lawrence, Philip M. Lubin, Bruce Partridge
  Abstract: Planck, the third-generation satellite after COBE and WMAP to measure the 2.726-Kelvin Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB), is scheduled to launch in early 2009. Placed in orbit around the Sun-Earth L2 point at a distance of 1.5 million km from Earth, Planck will measure the fluctuations of the CMB, as well as its polarization, with unprecedented sensitivity, angular resolution, and frequency coverage. This will lead to a dramatic reduction in the uncertainties of fundamental cosmological parameters, such as the total mass-energy content of the Universe, baryonic and dark matter densities, and distance to the surface of last scattering, and set constraints on fundamental physics at energies greater than 10^15 GeV. Planck will also produce a wealth of information on the properties of extragalactic sources, as well as dust and gas in our own galaxy. In this talk we will describe the instrumentation, orbit, expected outcomes and progress of Planck.

BB03:   
Current Status of the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope
  Location: F-Regent
  Date: Saturday, Feb.14
  Time: 11:00AM - 11:30AM
  Author: Daniel J Suson, Purdue University Calumet
219-989-2468, suson@calumet.purdue.edu
  Co-Author(s): None
  Abstract: The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope (formerly GLAST) was launched on June 11, 2008. After a very successful instrument check-out period, the telescope entered its science observation mode. This talk will provide an overview of the LAT and discuss the status and latest results from the telescope.

BB04:   
Our Miserable Future
  Location: F-Regent
  Date: Saturday, Feb.14
  Time: 11:30AM - 12:00PM
  Author: Lawrence M Krauss, Arizona State University
2169703496, krauss@asu.edu
  Co-Author(s): None
  Abstract: In this talk, I will ruminate on the future of the universe itself, and also on the future of life within it, using as my starting point recent observations in cosmology. I will first discuss why the universe we appear to inhabit is the worst of all possible universes, as far as considerations of the quality and quantity of life is concerned. I will then address several fascinating questions that have arisen as a result of our discovery that the dominant energy of the universe resides in empty space.

Title:
Origin and Evolution of Planets
Session Start/End Time:
Saturday, Feb 14, 2009, 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Room:
HRC Regency C
Synopsis:
Hundreds of new extra-solar planets have been discovered in the past decade, including enormous gas planets and terrestrial planets -- super-Earths. Dramatically distinct from planets in the Solar System, these giants challenge our basic notions of planetary formation and structure. Understanding how they form, might support life, and can even exist, requires deciphering the properties of matter under extraordinary conditions. Their deep interiors reach pressures millions to billions of times that at Earth's surface, with materials compressed 10- to 100-fold: conditions severely testing current theoretical understanding of condensed matter. The recent development of experimental facilities to produce such extreme pressures in the laboratory offers an extraordinary opportunity to combine experiment with theory and astronomical observation. This symposium will help unite a community and steer emerging capabilities toward understanding the range of possible host planets for life. Presentations will feature the study of extrasolar planets, models of planetary evolution and structure, the development of relevant materials theory, and key efforts to recreate interior states of planets in the laboratory.
Organized by:
Gilbert W Collins, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA;Raymond Jeanloz, University of California, Berkeley, CA
Presentations:
 
 
  Symposium Organizer--Gilbert W. Collins, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA
 
  Symposium Co-Organizer--Raymond Jeanloz, University of California, Berkeley, CA
 
  Moderator--Tristan Guillot, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Nice, France
 
  The Search for Living Planets--Alan P. Boss, Carnegie Institution for Science, Washington, DC
 
  Formation of Terrestrial Planets--Robin Canup, Southwest Research Institute, Boulder, CO
 
  Frontiers in the Interiors of Massive Planets--David Stevenson, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA
 
  Exotic Behavior of Materials at Multimegabar Pressures--Russell Hemley, Carnegie Institution for Science, Washington, DC
 
  Exploring Matter to Gbar Pressures--Raymond Jeanloz, University of California, Berkeley, CA
 
  Recreating Planetary Core States with Quantum Molecular Dynamics--Giulia Galli, University of California, Davis, CA

DA01:   
Exciting Neutrino Physics at Fermilab
  Location: F-Imperial Ballroom
  Date: Saturday, Feb.14
  Time: 1:30PM - 3:00PM
  Author: Niki Saoulidou, Wilson Fellow, Fermilab PPD/Neutrino
(630) 840-4617, niki@fnal.gov
  Co-Author(s): None
  Abstract: I will discuss the fascinating neutrino story from "birth" to "observation" with emphasis on the phenomenon of neutrino oscillations. Then, I will focus on the tremendous knowledge gained in the past decade from neutrino oscillation experiments worldwide. Finally, I will focus on the remaining open questions in neutrino physics, their importance, and the strategy we develop to address them with near- and long-term neutrino oscillation experiments at Fermilab.

DA02:   
The Fermilab Tevatron Program; Its Accomplishments and Future Aspirations
  Location: F-Imperial Ballroom
  Date: Saturday, Feb.14
  Time: 1:30PM - 3:00PM
  Author: Robert M Roser, Fermilab
630-365-1567, Roser@fnal.gov
  Co-Author(s): None
  Abstract: The field of particle physics is at an exciting point -- the tevatron program is gathering sufficient statistical precision to be able to search for more and more rare processes in our quest for new physics beyond the Standard Model. Furthermore, this program is making a wide range of precision measurements helping us better understand the world we live in. A new discovery may be lurking behind each analysis at the Tevatron. Meanwhile the Large Hadron Collider at CERN is about to take over the leadership of the energy frontier and open new and exciting windows into the world we live. The only certainty about the future is that it is going to be very interesting. In my talk, I will discuss the Tevatron program, its history, successes to date, and what we hope to accomplish before it is over.

DA03:   
The Search for Weakly Interacting Massive Particles
  Location: F-Imperial Ballroom
  Date: Saturday, Feb.14
  Time: 1:30PM - 3:00PM
  Author: Michael B Crisler, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
630 840 4099, mike@fnal.gov
  Co-Author(s): None
  Abstract: There is considerable evidence that approximately 85% of the matter in our universe is an unknown form called "dark matter" which still eludes direct detection. The most consistent explanation holds that the dark matter in our universe is the relic density, left over from the big bang, of an as yet undiscovered weakly interacting neutral elementary particle. While modern particle physics theory provides an abundance of candidate particles, none have been observed experimentally either in particle accelerator or direct detection experiments. The search for experimental techniques that might detect and characterize these new particles is an exciting area of research at Fermilab. While considerable effort around the world has been focused on the development of new detector technologies to search for dark matter interactions, recent work at Fermilab has centered on the revival of a very old technology, the bubble chamber. This new application of an old technique has already increased the reach of our search for dark matter. Recent results, comparison of techniques, and prospects for future searches will be discussed.


EJ01:   
Putting the Universe in Your Students' Hands: Astronomy Research Projects
  Location: H-Grand A
  Date: Saturday, Feb.14
  Time: 5:45PM - 6:15PM
  Author: Catherine A Garland, Castleton State College
8024681385, catherine.garland@castleton.edu
  Co-Author(s): Mary Ann Kadooka
  Abstract: The availability of educational remote observing time on telescopes, coupled with the accessibility of archival astronomical data, has greatly increased our ability to involve students at all levels in authentic astronomy research. We will discuss the approach taken at the Institute for Astronomy (University of Hawai`i-Manoa) which combines summer student and teacher programs with on-site and e-mentoring to support students in their research. Projects have included the study of asteroids, the Sun, variable stars, and galaxies. While the majority of our students have been at the high school level, the projects are easily adapted upward to the college level and downward to middle school. The benefits of involving young students in scientific research include sparking their interest in the joys of scientific discovery and encouraging them to consider studying science or engineering in college.

EJ02:   
Astronomy LITE
  Location: H-Grand E
  Date: Saturday, Feb.14
  Time: 6:15PM - 6:45PM
  Author: Kenneth Brecher, Boston University
617-353-3423, brecher@bu.edu
  Co-Author(s): None
  Abstract: Over the past several years we have developed hands-on (and eyes-on) resources for use in introductory undergraduate astronomy courses as part of "Project LITE - Light Inquiry Through Experiments." These center on geometrical, physical and quantum aspects of light. A major part of our strategy has been to couple optical materials with JAVA and Flash applets to gives students the chance to do actual experiments concerning geometrical optics, diffraction, fluorescence, phosphorescence, polarization and other topics by making use of the light emitted from computer screens. We have also developed and tested a "Light and Spectroscopy Concept Inventory." In addition, we have devised more than 200 Flash applets that allow students to directly explore many aspects of visual perception. In this presentation, we will demonstrate a variety of these interactive experiences. All of the software can be found at http://lite.bu.edu. Project LITE is supported by NSF Grant #DUE-0715975.

EJ03:   
Construction and Validation of an Alternative Astronomy Diagnostic Test
  Location: H-Grand E
  Date: Saturday, Feb.14
  Time: 6:45PM - 6:55PM
  Author: Stephanie J Slater, University of Wyoming CAPER Team
3077666735, sslater3@uwyo.edu
  Co-Author(s): None
  Abstract: Considerable effort in the teaching and learning of astronomy has focused on developing assessment tools in the form of multiple-choice conceptual diagnostics and content knowledge surveys. This has been critically important for establishing the initial knowledge state of students and measuring impacts of innovative instructional interventions. Unfortunately, few of the existing instruments were constructed upon a solid list of clearly articulated and widely agreed upon learning objectives. Moving beyond the 10-year-old Astronomy Diagnostics Test, we developed and validated (and are in a position to disseminate) a new criterion referenced assessment tool, which is tightly aligned to the consensus-learning goals stated by the AAS Chair's Conference on ASTRO 101, the AAAS Project 2061 Benchmarks, and the NRC National Science Education Standards, called the Test Of Astronomy STandards (TOAST). Through iterative development, this multiple-choice instrument has a high degree of reliability and validity for instructors and researchers.

EJ04:   
Assessing the Effectiveness of a Comparative Planetology Activity
  Location: H-Grand E
  Date: Saturday, Feb.14
  Time: 6:55PM - 7:05PM
  Author: Michael C LoPresto, Henry Ford Community College
313 845 9722, lopresto@hfcc.edu
  Co-Author(s): None
  Abstract: Different groups of several students each are assigned to plot histograms comparing the values for different properties, mass, radius, density etc., of the solar system's eight planets and Pluto and transfer them to chalk/white boards. Then, guided by a worksheet, students analyze the class's complete set of histograms and attempt to group planets into categories based on similarities and differences in the data. Results of the activity itself and group discussion questions based on it will be reported as well as pre- and post- testing results compared to sections that have not done the activity but received lectures on the topic.

FA01:   
The History and Fate of the Universe
  Location: H-Regency A
  Date: Saturday, Feb.14
  Time: 8:00PM - 9:00PM
  Author: George F Smoot, III
University of California, Berkeley, US Planck Team
(510) 486-6872, GFSmoot@lbl.gov
  Co-Author(s): None
  Abstract: Using our most advanced techniques and instruments, we sift through relic clues and evidence to understand the events surrounding the birth and subsequent development of the universe. A precision inspection and investigation of the Cosmic Scene, along with careful analysis, discussion, and computer modeling, have allowed us to determine what happened over billions of years with amazing certainty and accuracy. Some of the findings are surprising and show shocking twists of plots. There remain even more mysteries to be solved. In spite of that, we can tell the tale of the creation and history of the universe, and show key supporting evidence, some from very early times, to provide a direct image of the embryo universe.