Science Pub is a fun, informal science talk held in several locations around Oregon. Science Pub Hillsboro is a one-time event that is open to anyone and everyone. No RSVP or scientific background required. Just bring your curiosity, sense of humor, and appetite for food, drinks, and knowledge! All ages are welcome!
NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) is a cutting edge observatory comprised of a 2.7-meter diameter telescope housed in the aft section of a Boeing 747. The observatory carries out observations of the universe in infrared light from the stratosphere — above >99% of atmospheric water vapor. The observatory is in its 7th year of routine operations, with many more years of service to come. In this talk, Dr. Shuping will provide an introduction to infrared airborne astronomy along with some of the exciting new discoveries made possible by this unique observatory.
Dr. Shuping is a Senior Research Scientist and Associate Director at the Space Science Institute (based in Boulder, CO). He has worked on the SOFIA project for almost 18 years and is also a Guest Observer. Ralph’s primary research interests include star formation in young stellar clusters and the evolution of protostellar disks around young high-mass stars. An Oregon native, Ralph first became interested in studying the night sky at OMSI’s Camp Hancock.