Presentation: How Friction Creates a Galaxy’s Spirals – David Payne

CEERS Crop (NIRCam Image) - Image: NASA, ESA, CSA, Steve Finkelstein (UT Austin)

Date/Time: Wednesday September 10, 2025 starting at 7:30PM Location: University of Victoria, Bob Wright Centre, Lecture Theatre A104. The recent discoveries by JWST et al regarding the early, quick formation of galaxies are leading scientists to question the status quo mechanisms of galaxy creation. In this talk, a scientist-from-another-mother brings a multidisciplinary approach to this question that incorporates dissipative (friction) forces, thermodynamics. free body mechanics, and even chemistry to the non-linear dynamics involved.

Astronomy Cafe – May 12, 2025

Astronomical Compass Demonstration**- CJ Sandoz

Decommissioning GAIA – Randy Enkin;  Hack: 1″ to 1.25″ Plumbing Adapter for eyepieces – Jim Cox;  International Day of Light – May 16th – Natasha Van Bentum; Northern Star – J.S. Plaskett – upcoming documentary; Astronomical Compass Demonstration – CJ Sandoz; Time and Space musical performance – Jim Hesser; Astronomy Events – David Lee, Lauri Roche, Randy Enkin

Astronomy Cafe – April 7, 2025

An artist's concept of NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft

Bruce McCurdy – memories by Dave Robinson; Science Fair – David Lee, Lauri Roche; Book launch – The Language of the Stars – by Nathan Hellner-Mestelman; Breakthrough Prizes in Science – Kirsten Pedersen; Artemis II Mission badge – Natasha van Bentum; Zodiacal Light – Part 1 – Randy Enkin; Astronomy Events – Lauri Roche, Kirsten Pedersen; Saturnian Moons – Part 1 – Kirsten Pederson; Astrophotos – Ken McGill, Dave Payne; Space News – Chris Gainor

Astronomy Cafe – Mar 31, 2025

Parker Solar probe - Astro Cafe banner

Partial Solar Eclipse on Mar 29th – Randy Enkin; Beginners SIG & Observing – David Lee; Astronomy Day – David Lee, Kirsten Pedersen; UVic Presentation – April 9th – Kirsten Pedersen; RASC General Assembly – Apr 26-27 – Lauri Roche; Parker Solar Probe mission – Natasha van Bentum; Horsehead Nebula image, night sky bathing, new observatory – Garry Sedun; Skynews – April 2025 – review by Randy Enkin; Space News – Chris Gainor;Neptunian & Uranian Moons – Kirsten Pedersen; Astronomy discussion.