College planning full slate of events to celebrate World Space Week
The College of Science has long been involved in space education and research, with many alumni, faculty and students making important contributions in the eternal quest to learn more about the cosmos.
With World Space Week 2022 set for October 4-10, the College will celebrate with a lineup of events designed to put a spotlight on space, beginning a few days early on October 1.
World Space Week was created by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999 to celebrate the contributions of space science and technology to the betterment of the human condition. It is the largest annual space event in the world. The dates were chosen to commemorate two major events:
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October 4, 1957: Launch of the first human-made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1, thus beginning the space age and opening the way for space exploration.
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October 10, 1967: Signing of the Outer Space Treaty (Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies), which forms the basis of international space law.
World Space Week helps build the workforce of tomorrow by inspiring students; demonstrates public support for the space program; educates the public about space activities; and fosters international cooperation in space outreach and education.
Equipped with a strong foundation in science, mathematics, and advanced skills in specialized fields, many Maverick Scientists are making their marks with space research and impressive careers in the space industry, as highlighted by the latest issue of UTA Magazine.
In addition to the significant contributions of alumni, College of Science faculty and their students are doing groundbreaking research in space physics, astrophysics, ion chromatography, and other space-related fields. They have received significant funding from NASA, the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Defense, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, among other sources.
All College of Science World Space Week events are free and open to all students, alumni, faculty, staff, and members of the public. The schedule of events includes:
Mavericks in Space Display (Ongoing, Sept. 23 through Oct. 3, UTA University Center Art Gallery) — This unique art display features a collection of space photos taken by Texas-based astrophotographer Jerry Gardner, a College of Science guest for World Space Week.
Astrophotography Basics Workshop (4-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, UTA Planetarium) — Learn how to take your sky photography to the next level with a free introduction to astrophotography workshop with Jerry Gardner of the 3 Rivers Foundation and Comanche Springs Astronomy Campus, presented inside the UTA Planetarium. Then put your newly acquired skills to use during our International Observe the Moon Night watch party at UTA’s Park Central Observatory on top of the Park Central Garage (details below). No previous knowledge or equipment is required for the workshop, but bringing your own gear is recommended for photography at the watch party.
International Observe the Moon Night Party (6-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, UTA Observatory) — International Observe the Moon Night is a time to come together with fellow Moon enthusiasts and curious people worldwide. Everyone on Earth is invited to learn about lunar science and exploration, take part in celestial observations, and honor cultural and personal connections to the Moon. Join us for a watch party at UTA's Park Central Observatory on top of the College Park Central Garage, 500 S. Center Street. Utilize the observatory, share a telescope or bring a tripod and camera to capture your own photos of the Moon with tips from Planetarium staff and an astrophotographer.
Guest lecture by Douglas Rowland (12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, UTA Planetarium) — Douglas Rowland is chief of the Ionosphere, Thermosphere, Mesosphere Physics Laboratory in the Heliophysics Science Division at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. His research interests include the dynamics of the upper atmosphere, and the coupling of the magnetosphere to the ionosphere. Rowland currently serves as project scientist for the Geospace Dynamics Constellation (GDC) mission. Free pizza and refreshments will be available in the Planetarium atrium for all attendees.
Mavericks in Space Roundtable Session (12 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, UTA Planetarium) — The UTA College of Science presents a research roundtable featuring faculty and student researchers actively engaged in research with space connections. Hear generalized presentations from Maverick Science faculty and graduate student researchers working on space-related research projects and participate in a Q&A session. Free pizza and refreshments will be available for all attendees.
Printmaking the Stars (6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 5, UTA Planetarium) — The James Webb Space Telescope opened our eyes further to the magnificence of deep space when new images were released beginning this summer. Join resident artist Morgan Chivers and his UTA FabLab staff for a printmaking activity of your own version of deep space images while hearing about the photos and other celestial bodies from UTA astronomer Nila Veerabathina in the lobby of the UTA Planetarium.
Guest lecture by Kandy Fabreo-Montelongo (12:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, UTA Planetarium) — UTA mathematics alumna Kandy Fabreo-Montelongo is co-owner and vice president of engineering at Critical Realm Corporation, a contractor at NASA’s Ames Research Center. Kandy has worked on numerous space projects, including SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy), Cubesats for biological research, and is currently flight software lead for a team working on autonomous satellite communications and guidance. Kandy shares from their current work and career journey in this informative and biographical talk.
Guest seminar by Rodrigo Devivar (3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, UTA Planetarium) — The UTA Department of Chemistry will host this special seminar for all interested students, faculty, staff, and members of the public. Rodrigo Devivar, senior scientist with Jacobs Technology and NASA's Johnson Space Center, will talk about his research and career in this virtual talk in the UTA Planetarium. In his 30-year career Devivar has used his chemical knowledge and skills to solve unique and complicated problems faced by the aerospace industry. His specialties are thermal and chemical analysis of materials.
Ambient Musical Experience and Star Show (8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, UTA Planetarium) — Fort Worth musicians Jacob Furr, Clint Kirby and Ryan Tharp will take you deep into the night sky in this ambient-synth musical experience performed live in the UTA Planetarium during a guided star show on the Planetarium’s state-of-the-art, 60-foot dome. Cruise the planets and distant galaxies while enjoying the band’s musical talents during this unique show.
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The UTA College of Science, a Texas Tier One and Carnegie R1 research institution, is preparing the next generation of leaders in science through innovative education and hands-on research and offers programs in Biology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Data Science, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Health Professions, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology. To support educational and research efforts visit the giving page, or if you're a prospective student interested in beginning your #MaverickScience journey visit our future students page.