Steve Squires from NASA talking at Sydney Observatory

[iceman (Mike)]

Been forgetting to look at Bintel's Night Sky newsletter, had a look this morning and the July issue is still up.

Interesting reading, in particular the note on the back that Steve Squires from NASA (Mars Rover chief scientist/project manager) will be talking at Sydney Observatory on the 22nd August from 6pm. It sounds like he's written a book talking about the Mars Rover program, and will probably be launching it at this talk.

Sounds like an excellent read, and i'll definitely make an effort to attend that night. Any other sydney-siders want to join me? It says bookings essential, so I might try and find out today about booking.

Also, congrats to h0ughy who got his triple conjunction shot on the page 2.

[iceman (Mike)]

Found some info about it, from http://www.sydneyobservatory.com.au/events/whatson.asp :

Roving Mars: talk by Steve Squyres
Monday 22nd August, 6.15pm – 8pm
S H Ervin Gallery, National Trust, Watson Road, Observatory Hill, The Rocks
Cost: $15 adult, $10 child, $12 concession,
Members: $12 adult, $8 child, $10 concession,
School teachers free if accompanying 2+ students.

Steve Squyres is the face and voice of NASA's Mars Exploration Rover mission. Squyres dreamed up the mission in 1987, saw it through from conception in 1995 to a successful landing in 2004, and serves as the principal scientist of its $400 million payload. His book, Roving Mars: Spirit, Opportunity and the exploration of the red planet, offers a dramatic account of one of the most amazing adventures of our time. Squyres leads us through the exhausting and exhilarating race to get the rovers Spirit and Opportunity to the launchpad in time - and finally, the amazing story of their journeys to Mars and what is found there. Don’t miss this riveting, behind-the-scenes account of the search for life on Mars and have your booked signed by Steve Squyres. Night includes telescope viewing after the talk.
Supported by the Observatory Hotel

Will give them a call to find out about booking.

[iceman (Mike)]

Noone else interested in coming with me?

I'll be booking my seat tomorrow.

[iceman (Mike)]

I've booked my session for next Monday night, $15. You have to pay upfront (I used c/c over the phone).

Hope some others in the area decide to come along, don't forget to book!

[iceman (Mike)]

Looks like i'm going by myself tonight! Slackers, the lot of you

Will write up a report after, and will review his book too!