Dave North and Akkana Peck at 7 p.m. Friday to learn about how the ‘Known Universe’ has grown over time thanks to breakthroughs in astronomy. This is the first in a series of planetarium talks at the Los Alamos Nature Center. Courtesy/PEEC
PEEC News:
Go back in time this Friday evening to learn about how perceptions of reality have grown over time through breakthroughs in astronomy.
Dave North and Akkana Peck are giving the first in a series of planetarium talks that will explore how the “Known Universe” has increased in size over time. Their talk begins at 7 p.m., Friday at the Los Alamos Nature Center Planetarium at 2600 Canyon Road.
This series of talks will start at the beginning and track how perception of reality has grown over time thanks to advancements in astronomy. North and Peck also will note bumps along the road, some dead ends and groundbreaking ideas.
North and Peck are both long-time observers of the skies. North popularized the term “shallow sky” for observing objects in our solar system (as opposed to “deep sky” objects like galaxies and nebulae) and is a past president of the San Jose Astronomical Association, while Peck writes computer programs and runs the Shallow Sky website.
In addition to Friday night’s talk, the nature center will show the full-dome film “National Parks Adventure” at 2 p.m., Saturday in the planetarium. This vibrant film allows viewers to see beloved national parks from a different perspective. The film was brought to Los Alamos by CB FOX, Metzger’s Hardware and the Delle Foundation, with additional funding from the Manhattan Project National Historical Park.
Seating is limited for this talk and movie, so call the nature center at 505.662.0460 or stop by to reserve tickets. Admission for both events is $6 for adults and $4 for kids. Events in the planetarium are not recommended for kids under age 4.
For more information about this and other PEEC programs, visit www.peecnature.org, email programs@peecnature.org or call 505.662.0460.
PEEC was founded in 2000 to serve the community of Los Alamos. It offers people of all ages a way to enrich their lives by strengthening their connections to our canyons, mesas, mountains, and skies. PEEC operates the Los Alamos Nature Center at 2600 Canyon Road, holds regular programs and events, and hosts have interest groups from birding to hiking to butterfly watching. PEEC activities are open to everyone; however, members receive exclusive benefits such as discounts on programs and merchandise. Annual memberships start at $35. To learn more, visit www.peecnature.org.
