CU hosts astronomers from around the world

Planetary scientists from around the world descend on Ithaca Oct. 10 for the 40th annual meeting of the American Astronomical Society's Division for Planetary Sciences (DPS).

The five-day conference, which organizers expect to draw approximately 800 researchers and students to Cornell, will offer sessions on topics including new directions in lunar science, the first detailed observations of a triple asteroid, and the latest science from missions to Mercury, Venus, Saturn and Mars -- plus updates from Earth- and space-based observations of asteroids, minor planets and other solar system objects.

The meeting will also include a full schedule of public events, including a premier performance by the Cornell University-Ithaca College Orchestra, a guided tour of the Sciencenter's Sagan Planet Walk led by Cornell alumnus Bill Nye and a public lecture by Sagan Medalist and University of Hawaii lunar scientist Jeff Taylor.

And complementing the science offerings, the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art is featuring "Spectacular Saturn: Images from the Cassini-Huygens Mission," on display until Jan. 4.

The exhibit, like a similar one currently featured at the American Museum of Natural History, includes images of the gas giant, its rings and moons that are notable for their detail -- and their beauty. And for nighttime passersby, giant three-story-high images from the mission are being projected from Tjaden Hall onto the museum's east-facing façade every night until Oct. 26.

The meeting is a chance for the astronomy community to learn about the latest findings in the field, said Jim Bell, associate professor of astronomy and co-chair of the local organizing committee, and for the Cornell and Ithaca College participants to showcase Cornell's campus and the region.

"We're really looking forward to all our colleagues coming here," said Bell, who also leads the Pancam team on NASA's Mars Exploration Rover mission. "The leaves are changing right on schedule, and a lot of people in space sciences and at Ithaca College have been chipping in [with the planning effort]. It's going to be spectacular."

It will also be an environmentally responsible meeting.

"As a group, the DPS is making its first well-studied effort to contribute toward a cleaner, greener energy future," said Beth Clark, associate professor of physics at Ithaca College and co-chair of the local organizing committee.

Conference participants have the opportunity to buy renewable energy credits, for example; and the event will feature local foods, recycling and composting; and registration materials on a single, recycled-paper volume. And for the first time, the conference will be streamed online -- allowing people to participate around the world without traveling to Ithaca.

"Our goal is to work toward climate neutrality, understanding that actual climate neutrality is a longer term goal," said Clark. "We will be very happy if we can serve as a model for future DPS conferences."

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Blaine Friedlander