Title: Astronomy and Modern Society: Preserving our views of the world we live in
Description: This presentation is a brief introduction to Astronomy and the issues of light pollution. Astronomy is a “gateway” science and also one of the oldest sciences known to modern humans. From the earliest recorded times more than 40,000 years ago to modern day, humans have been observing the stars and their patterns overhead. The night sky has been our calendar for religious ceremonies and agriculture, they’ve given us insights into how the smallest particles of matter are formed and have provided a window pane for awe and inspiration that drives poetry and fiction for the ages. But in every story there is a villain and today our nemesis is light pollution. Light pollution is not just a problem for astronomical observing but also has impacts on wildlife, humans and wastes money. We’ll talk briefly about these effects and what we can do as individuals and communities to preserve our night skies for all to enjoy.
BIOGRAPHY: Mr. David Warner is the Director for Educational Outreach for the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society (CSASTRO) and is responsible for coordinating, scheduling and conducting guest speaking engagements, lectures, star parties, and STEM/STEAM night programs that are engaging, interactive, memorable and fun. In 2019, Mr. Warner coordinated, scheduled, and conducted over 293 hours of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) outreach and education at 108 separate events for over 15,300 people of all ages at local National Monuments, State and Regional Parks, museums, libraries and within local area schools. CSASTROs mobile and all-volunteer outreach programs provide educational programming to rural and underserved communities throughout a 10K mile geographic area in Southeastern Colorado. Mr. Warner is also a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, a member of the NASA/JPL Night Sky Network, the Astronomical League (AL), the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers (ALPO), and the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). Mr. Warner continues to serve as a Government Civilian working as a logistics management specialist in the Colorado Springs area with over 30 years of experience in acquisition, logistics, sustainment and operations of satellites, communications terminals and associated ground control stations. He has associates degrees in Air Transportation, Sociology and Instructor of Technology and Military Science.
Webinar registration link for ZOOM
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lp5opdyJTWaUedy_6S3d_A