NoCoAstro
The Northern Colorado Astronomical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the science of astronomy and to encourage and coordinate activities of amateur astronomers.
The April 4th, 2024 meeting will be held in-person at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, 408 Mason Ct, Fort Collins at 6:15 PM. For anyone uncomfortable with in-person meetings or otherwise unable to attend in person, the meeting will be simultaneously broadcast on Zoom via Webinar.
Download the Current Issue of the “Objective View” Newsletter: June 2018
April 4th, 2024 6:15 pm Speaker - Dr. Vicky Hamilton
Sample Return from Asteroid Bennu: Early Results
Abstract: The primary objective of NASA’s Origins-Spectral Interpretation-Resource Identification-Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission is to explore and return a pristine sample from the asteroid Bennu to help scientists understand the origin and evolution of our solar system, and how life began. After arriving at Bennu in 2018, the spacecraft gathered data to understand the asteroid and select a sampling site. A sample was collected successfully in October 2020 and OSIRIS-REx began its return to Earth in May 2021. In September of 2023, the sample was successfully returned to Earth -- the mission science team has begun analysis of this incredible sample and this presentation will describe early results.
Monthly Meetings
Regular club meetings have resumed at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery in the Otterbox Digital Dome Theater. They are scheduled for the 1st Thursday of every month. Please verify the meeting date and location on the club website. The business portion of the meeting is scheduled for 15 minutes starting at 6:15pm.
Regular topics include:
- Announcements on upcoming NCAS events: speakers, stargazing, outreaching, etc.
- Brief updates from the club treasurer and secretary
- Items of general interest as shared by members and visitors
After the business meeting, invited speakers present an astronomy-related program beginning at 6:30pm. It is free of charge and the public is welcome. Talks are typically geared towards people with a high-school science background, but the level does vary. Feel free to contact a club officer for guidance if the target level is not apparent from the talk description. Talks typically last for 60 minutes. Questions are usually welcome both during and after the talk.
What’s New
- April 4th Speaker: Dr. Vicky Hamilton - Sample Return from Asteroid Bennu
- Steven Weinmeister has uploaded several cool astronomical images to his photo album
- 2024 Volunteer Log
- 2024 Astronomy Highlights
Featured Photo Album Images
NoCoAstro Flyers
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NoCoAstro invites all to participate in our public events and to consider becoming a member to get access to many benefits.