Norwegian scientist dr. Pål Brekke will hold a lecture about the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) on June 15 at the Carnegie Institution in Washington, D.C.
Brekke's multimedia presentation will summarize some of the scientific highlights and illustrate how SOHO acts like a watchdog for solar storms that can bring havoc to our technology-based society.
These storms include the recent fireworks from the Sun, which caused unprecedented attention from the media and the public, and made many ask whether something was wrong with the Sun.
Furthermore, accurate monitoring of the energy output from the Sun is important for understanding how much the Sun contributes to the observed warming of our planet. In recent years there has been growing concern about human-caused climate changes and what we can do to reduce them. The connection between solar variability and global climate has therefore become an important area of research.
Since its launch on December 2nd, 1995, the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) has provided an unparalleled breadth and depth of information about the Sun, from its interior, through the hot and dynamic atmosphere, and out to the solar winds.
SOHO has continued to revolutionize our understanding of the Sun with its 24-7 observations of our daylight star. At the same time, SOHO's easily accessible and spectacular data, and its basic science results have captured the imagination of the space science community and the general public alike.
The SOHO spacecraft was nearly lost in space in 1998, but thanks to one of the most dramatic and spectacular rescue operations in space ever, the satellite is still in good shape and continues to deliver excellent science data.
Pål Brekke received a Dr. Scient degree in 1993 from the Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics, University of Oslo. Since the launch of SOHO in December 1995 he was part of the science operation team at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. In 1999 he joined the European Space Agency (ESA) as the SOHO Deputy Project Scientist stationed at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center. He was also in charge of outreach and media activites, making SOHO to one of the most well known current satellite projects. He is now a Senior Advisor at the Norwegian Space Centre. With his numerous appearances in international news-networks (CNN, USA Today, Der Spiegel, BBC etc.) he is probably more known as a solar scientist outside of Norway.
He received a Fulbright Fellowship in 1994, ESA´s Exceptional Achievement Award in 2002 and Laurels for Team Achievements from the International Academy of Astronautics in 2003.
WHERE: THe main auditorium of the Carnegie Institution, Washington, D.C. Located at 1530 P Street, NW, corner of 16th and P.
WHEN: June 15 from 6.45 to 7.45 p.m.
MORE INFO: For tickets, call 202-939-1121