Nov 12th Presentation: Maximizing image resolution for ground-based telescopes using Adaptive Optics – Dr. Maaike van Kooten, NRC

Maaike van Kooten - REVOLT test bed

Presentation at University of Victoria on November 12, 2025 starting at 7:30PM. “Maximizing image resolution for ground-based telescopes using Adaptive Optics: it is all in the details” – Dr. Maaike van Kooten, AO developer, Herzberg Astronomy & Astrophysics, National Research Council Canada.

In this talk, I will focus on the latest AO R&D happening in Victoria on our local telescopes and put it into context of the wider global AO community. I will also highlight the work being done at large facilities in Hawaii to further push the limits of our AO systems.

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.

Presentation: Pitcairn Islands Outreach – Bryon Elliot

Byron M. "Packpuppy" Elliot

Pitcairn Islands Outreach! “Celestializing” the H.M.S. Bounty Mutineers! – Bryon Elliot. Wednesday January 8, 2025 starting at 7:30PM. Location: University of Victoria, Bob Wright Centre, Lecture Theatre A104. Who knew “Mutiny on the Bounty” was based on a true story?! Please join me as I tell the tale of my unforgettable adventure on Pitcairn Island, the paradisiacal home of the mutineers’ descendants. I’ll touch on their captivating history, and reveal some of the brilliant celestial wonders I shared with them in their pristine night sky.

Presentation: The Habitable Worlds Observatory and the Quest to find life signatures outside our Solar System – Dr. Christian Marois

Habitable Worlds Observatory - banner

The Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO) is a mission concept for a large UV/optical/near-infrared observatory to search for and characterize habitable planets beyond our solar system. With an expected launch in the 2040s, the mission’s main objective would be to identify and directly image at least 25 potentially habitable worlds.