American Astronomical Society

Eclipse Over America Has In-Person Eclipse Glasses Pick Up Locations Throughout Texas and Indianapolis

Retrieved on: 
Martedì, Aprile 2, 2024
Eclipse, American Astronomical Society

DALLAS, April 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Eclipse Over America will be operating in-person pickup locations across Texas and Indianapolis for the distribution of solar eclipse glasses on Friday, April 5 - Sunday, April 7 ahead of the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8.

Key Points: 
  • DALLAS, April 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Eclipse Over America will be operating in-person pickup locations across Texas and Indianapolis for the distribution of solar eclipse glasses on Friday, April 5 - Sunday, April 7 ahead of the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8.
  • All Eclipse Over America eclipse glasses are CE- and ISO-certified and Made in the USA.
  • Eclipse Over America is listed as a supplier of safe solar viewers on the American Astronomical Society website: https://eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety/viewers-filters .
  • Location: West Chelsea Contemporary, 1009 W 6th St #120, Austin, TX 78703

Stay Informed: Recognizing the Dangers of Counterfeit Solar Glasses for the 2024 Total Eclipse

Retrieved on: 
Mercoledì, Marzo 27, 2024
EBay, Risk, Diabetic retinopathy, History, Photokeratitis, Temu, NASA, Retina, Heart, Permanent Damage, Multimedia, ISO, American Astronomical Society

TORONTO, March 27, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- History unfolds during the April 8th, 2024 total solar eclipse, and understanding how to prepare for this event with proper eye protection to avoid permanent damage is crucial for individuals of all ages. With such a rare experience upon us, it's imperative to grasp that solar eclipse glasses are not regular sunglasses. While standard sunglasses may appear dark, they are not designed for safe solar viewing. Authentic solar viewers, certified to meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard, are thousands of times darker and have specialized filters to block out dangerous UV light that can damage your eyes.

Key Points: 
  • With such a rare experience upon us, it's imperative to grasp that solar eclipse glasses are not regular sunglasses.
  • While standard sunglasses may appear dark, they are not designed for safe solar viewing.
  • As stated by NASA , directly observing the sun before or after an eclipse without proper protection can lead to serious eye damage.
  • By offering authentic, certified solar shades, the retailer strives to ensure that all North Americans can witness history, safely.

A total solar eclipse presents a unique opportunity to witness a rare phenomenon — but protect your eyes

Retrieved on: 
Venerdì, Aprile 5, 2024
Eclipse, Brain, University, Cell, Library, Internet, Light, Moon, Child, Eye, Solar flare, Telescope, Retina, Safety, Pain, American Astronomical Society, Weather

A solar eclipse is a rare and beautiful astronomic phenomenon as the orbiting moon blocks out the sun, making twilight out of a sunny day.

Key Points: 
  • A solar eclipse is a rare and beautiful astronomic phenomenon as the orbiting moon blocks out the sun, making twilight out of a sunny day.
  • Witnessing a total solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and a spectacle that millions of people think will be worth travelling for.

Permanent damage

  • The retina contains the sensitive cells that turn light into electrical signals sent to our brain, allowing us to see.
  • Your eyes aren’t burned, but the blue light can cause a chemical reaction that can permanently damage the retina.
  • To look directly at a partial solar eclipse safely we need to block almost all the sun’s light.


This allows you to look at the bright sun — even without an eclipse — without pain or eye damage. These glasses are readily available at many retailers, and some are being donated by libraries and universities in Canada and the United States along the eclipse’s path. It is strongly recommended to only purchase glasses from certified vendors, such as those listed on this list from the American Astronomical Society.

Safe viewing practices

  • A great way to prepare for the eclipse is to practice — look at the sun through the glasses before the eclipse.
  • Small children should be supervised when viewing the eclipse.
  • If the child is too young to follow the instructions above, then you should keep them inside to be perfectly safe.

Indirect watching

  • If you don’t have certified glasses, there are indirect ways of looking at a partial solar eclipse.
  • A pinhole camera allows the eclipsed sun’s disk to be projected onto a screen using only a cardboard box, a piece of aluminium foil and some tape.
  • You can find out if you are within the path of the total eclipse using various online maps.

Eclipse magic

  • Take off the glasses and look up to see this, and the sunrise visible all around you, for the few minutes of total eclipse magic.
  • If the weather is good, crowds watching the eclipse may be large, so be patient and prepared for delays.


Robert Knobel does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

NASA Names New Station Manager, Space Operations Deputy

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Lunedì, Febbraio 26, 2024
Stellar, Iowa State University, Astronaut, Superior, Multimedia, Weigel, Eagle Scout, NASA, Research, Silver Snoopy award, Exceptional Service Medallion, International Space Station programme, Communication, Boy, NASA Headquarters, Orbit, Flight, Artemis, Boy Scouts, Leadership Medal, American Astronomical Society, Rank, International Space Station, Texas A&M University, Heart, Science, Distinguished service medal, Johnson Space Center, Montalbano, Communications satellite

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA has selected Dana Weigel as the International Space Station Program manager, based at the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA has selected Dana Weigel as the International Space Station Program manager, based at the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston.
  • Weigel succeeds Joel Montalbano, who has accepted a position as deputy associate administrator for the agency's Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
  • "With Dana continuing her contributions to space station, Joel will bring his experience to the Space Operations directorate.
  • The Space Operations Mission Directorate, which oversees the International Space Station Program, helps maintain a continuous human presence in space for the benefit of people on Earth.

HotelPlanner Reaches for the Stars with the American Astronomical Society

Retrieved on: 
Mercoledì, Febbraio 14, 2024
Eclipse, PALM, AAS, 125th, Research, Science, American Astronomical Society, Partnership, Tourism

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HotelPlanner, a leading travel technology platform and hotel booking engine, today announced a service provider partnership with the American Astronomical Society .

Key Points: 
  • WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HotelPlanner, a leading travel technology platform and hotel booking engine, today announced a service provider partnership with the American Astronomical Society .
  • Now celebrating its 125th anniversary, the American Astronomical Society (AAS) provides a community of astronomers and advocates for science to enhance and share humanity’s scientific understanding of the universe.
  • With more than 8,000 members globally, AAS is a major international organization of professional astronomers, astronomy educators, and amateur astronomers.
  • “HotelPlanner offers incredible value to our membership base through discounted hotel solutions globally,” says Rod Nenner, Chief Business Officer & Director, Strategic Partnerships, American Astronomical Society.

Dark energy is one of the biggest puzzles in science and we're now a step closer to understanding it

Retrieved on: 
Lunedì, Gennaio 8, 2024
Dark, Uncertainty, DES, Dark energy, Pressure, Observation, Energy Information Administration, Higgs boson, Large Hadron Collider, Galaxy, Vera C. Rubin Observatory, American Astronomical Society

Dark energy is estimated to make up nearly 70% of the observable universe, yet we still don’t understand what it is.

Key Points: 
  • Dark energy is estimated to make up nearly 70% of the observable universe, yet we still don’t understand what it is.
  • While its nature remains mysterious, the impact of dark energy is felt on grand scales.
  • The announcement in New Orleans may take us closer to a better understanding of this form of energy.
  • Working out this figure is the first step to really understanding the true nature of dark energy.

Subverting expectations

  • The more energy density in the universe, the more repulsion there is – in other words, matter pushes against other matter.
  • It might sound a bit bizarre, as it is counterintuitive to everything we experience on Earth.
  • The work uses the most direct probe we have on the expansion history of the universe: Type Ia supernovae.
  • These distances can then be compared to our expectations.
  • This observatory should soon use its telescope to take a first image of the sky following construction, giving a glimpse into its capabilities.


Robert Nichol is a member of the Dark Energy Survey collaboration.

The Inner Circle Acknowledges, Reginald D. Hughes as a Top Pinnacle Healthcare Professional for his contributions to the field of Family Medicine

Retrieved on: 
Venerdì, Dicembre 8, 2023
Inner circle, School, American Public University System, American Astronomical Society, Operation Crossroads, Family medicine, University, STD, Astronomy, Fever, American Academy, Patient, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, Multimedia, Sore throat, Chemical engineering, MPH, NGO, FAAFP, Family, United States Army Reserve, White Plains Hospital, American Public Health Association, Master, Public, Nursing, Medicine, MD, COVID

LAURELTON, N.Y., Dec. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Reginald D. Hughes, MD, MPH, FAAFP, is acknowledged as a Top Pinnacle Healthcare Professional for his contributions to the field of Family Medicine.

Key Points: 
  • LAURELTON, N.Y., Dec. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Reginald D. Hughes, MD, MPH, FAAFP, is acknowledged as a Top Pinnacle Healthcare Professional for his contributions to the field of Family Medicine.
  • He completed a residency in family medicine and a fellowship in family medicine/obstetrics, both completed at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center in Queens, NY from 1998 to 2001.
  • The doctor also holds an MPH (public health) and a Master's degree in space studies (astronomy) from the American Military University.
  • The doctor noted that family medicine is a medical specialty devoted to comprehensive health care for people of all ages.

Planetary Astronomer Heidi B. Hammel, PhD, Named to ARCS Foundation Alumni Hall of Fame

Retrieved on: 
Mercoledì, Febbraio 8, 2023
Oxbridge Academy Foundation, Inc., American Astronomical Society 215th meeting, Woman, Solar System, AURA, Hall, Neptune, National Science Foundation, The Planetary Society, Double Asteroid Redirection Test, Planetary science, National Solar Observatory, NOIRLab, JWST, ARCS Foundation, System, Hubble Space Telescope, Telescope, ARCS, Public, Space Science Institute, NASA, World Golf Village, Weizmann Women & Science Award, Physics, DART, Exploratorium, Research, Learning, Communication, Comet, American Astronomical Society, Doctor of Philosophy, Carl Sagan Medal, Rare-earth element, Surveying, Nursing, Astronomy, Science, Earth, Uranus, University

LAGRANGE, Ga., Feb. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- At the January National Board Meeting, ARCS® Foundation Inc. announced planetary astronomer Heidi B. Hammel, PhD, is the 2023 inductee into the prestigious ARCS Alumni Hall of Fame. Hall of Fame inductees are ARCS Scholar Alumni who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of science in innovation, discovery, economic impact, the development of future scientists, and enhancement of US scientific superiority.

Key Points: 
  • LAGRANGE, Ga., Feb. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- At the January National Board Meeting, ARCS® Foundation Inc. announced planetary astronomer Heidi B. Hammel, PhD, is the 2023 inductee into the prestigious ARCS Alumni Hall of Fame.
  • ARCS Foundation has recognized Dr. Hammel for her expertise in planetary science and her work with both the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes.
  • "Dr. Hammel has made a truly incredible impact on how we understand space and approach planetary research," said ARCS National President Caron Ogg.
  • "We are thrilled to welcome her into the distinguished ARCS Alumni Hall of Fame ."

USRA's Dr. Joan Schmelz Named Fellow of the American Astronomical Society

Retrieved on: 
Mercoledì, Febbraio 8, 2023
Cloud, Society, Universities Space Research Association, Bias, Science, Nature, Mentorship, NSF, Ethiopian Space Science and Technology Institute, Impostor syndrome, Fellows, Field line, Coming out of the Shadow, Teaching, Committee, Interim, University, Research, Galaxy, SOFIA, Arecibo Observatory, NASA, University of Memphis, Associate, Blog, Education, AAS, American Astronomical Society, USRA, Sun, Telescope, Nursing, Management, Astronomy, Woman, STEM

She was one of the first people  in the astronomy community to talk and blog about topics that have become central to diversity -- unconscious bias, stereotype threat, and impostor syndrome. Her 2011 blog post, Coming Out of the Shadows, described her own experience with sexual harassment. As a result, young women from across the country began contacting her about their own situations. These conversations – which formed the basis of what is now called the whisper network – helped shine a light on the abusive behavior that had always hidden in the dark. Schmelz was honored in 2015 as one of Nature's Top Ten people who made a difference in science for her work fighting sexual harassment.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, Feb. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Universities Space Research Association's Dr. Joan Schmelz has been elected Fellow of the American Astronomical Society (AAS), joining a distinguished group of professional astronomers and astronomy educators.
  • This year, the AAS is honoring 22 members for extraordinary achievement and service by naming them AAS Fellows .
  • She has served as director, astronomer, and diversity advocate at Universities Space Research Association (USRA).
  • Before joining USRA, she was a program officer at NSF's Division of Astronomical Sciences (2013-15) and a professor at University of Memphis for over 20 years.

The Distance to High-Velocity Cloud Complex M

Retrieved on: 
Giovedì, Gennaio 12, 2023
Cloud, Radio, Literature, Complex, Absorption, Paper, Smoking, HVC 127-41-330, Milky, Astronomy, Rotation, Galaxy, Human, High-velocity cloud, Journal of Astrophysics and Astronomy, Elena Siegman, Research, MI, HI, Miia, European Astronomical Society, HVC, USRA, American Astronomical Society, Explosive, Surveying, Telescope

However new research suggests that the distance to HVC Complex M may be much closer—only 150 pc.

Key Points: 
  • However new research suggests that the distance to HVC Complex M may be much closer—only 150 pc.
  • These findings appear in a paper entitled " The Distance to High-Velocity Cloud Complex M " that has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Astrophysics.
  • If the distance to the Complex M is 150 pc, then the mass is about 120 solar masses.
  • As a result, other explanations for the larger-scale distribution of anomalous-velocity hydrogen are still very much in play, but the distance to Complex M gets us one step closer to unravelling the longstanding HVC mystery.