Dr. Bob Stencel, University of Denver Observatories
The historically high and dry climate of the Rocky Mountain region has given rise to numerous observatories. These include the classic 1894 large refractor in Denver, and a proliferation of public and private telescope facilities ever since -- both optical and even for cosmic ray studies. In this talk, we'll trace instrumentation and observational developments, from the pre-historic use of Medicine Wheels, to refractors, reflectors and multiple telescope systems -- all within the context of the effects of light pollution and climate change on astronomy and astrophysics.
Bio:
Robert "Dr Bob" Stencel is the William Herschel Womble Professor of
Astronomy at Denver University and Director of the DU Observatories*. He
became interested in astronomy as a result of Sputnik, and was fortunate to
have as a mentor Ed Halbach, one of the founders of the Astronomical League.
Following graduate study in astronomy at the University of Michigan, Dr.
Stencel worked at NASA Houston and Greenbelt sites and then NASA
Headquarters in Washington DC, prior to joining Denver University in 1993
where he teaches astronomy and astrophysics. Prof. Stencel has served as a
judge for several years for the Astronomical League's National Young
Astronomer Award program, and was recipient of a National Youth in Astronomy
Award in 2002. He is also Coordinator for the Colorado Section of the
International Dark-Sky Association. His recent research has focused on the
rare eclipse of the bright star, epsilon Aurigae, using interferometric
imaging, as well as large telescopes in space and on earth. For a summary
of results, see: http://www.aavso.org/ejaavso402618 -- as well as notes on
the related world-wide Pro-Am observing campaign:
http://www.aavso.org/ejaavso402614 .
*The Director of the DU Observatories: Chamberlin (1894 with its 20 inch,
f/15 Clark-Saegmuller refractor) and Mt.Evans (1997 with its dual 28 inch
f/21 R-C reflectors). Many members of the Astronomical League have been
guest observers at Mt.Evans observatory during it's first decade of
operations.
Homepage: http://www.du.edu/~rstencel

Date:
Friday, August 18, 2017 - 11:15
Location:
Ballroom