RFO Speaker Series: Historical contributions of women in Astronomy with Laura Sparks

  • Thu, Mar 10, 2022 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

  • Pacific Standard Time

Ticket Price Free This event is now over
Description

Join RFO and Laura Sparks from the Santa Rosa Junior College on "Historical contributions of women in Astronomy."

 

In honor of Women's History Month, this talk will highlight the historical contributions of women in astronomy, while also exploring some of the most fascinating mysteries that women are working on today: dark matter, black holes, and the ultimate fate of the universe. 

 

Laura Sparks has taught astronomy full time at Santa Rosa Junior College since 2009. She earned a B.S. in physics from Arizona State University and an M.S. in Physics at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where her research focused on high-energy gamma ray astrophysics. In 2019 she was selected to participate in the Astronomy in Chile Educational Ambassador Program.  

 

Laura has been a frequent volunteer at science outreach events throughout Sonoma County, and served as a past board member of the Sonoma County Astronomical Society. She is a member of Astronomers for Planet Earth, an organization of professional astronomers, educators, and students who advocate for climate action. She also currently serves as an elected official on the Cotati City Council.    

 

 

Date & Time

Thu, Mar 10, 2022 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Robert Ferguson Observatory

The Valley of the Moon Observatory Association (VMOA) is volunteer amateur and professional astronomers plus a small supporting staff organized as a nonprofit association to provide educational programs about science and astronomy for students, the public, and in support of educators.

The VMOA is responsible for the construction, maintenance and utilization of the Robert Ferguson Observatory and functions as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the auspices of the California State Parks System, and in cooperation with our local state parks.