Thursday, March 27th | Center for Wildlife
Space Science
What’s up in space? Researchers from UNH’s space physics program share the latest findings on black holes, solar storms and nuclear fusion. Between talks, the UNH Observatory will bring a telescope for viewing the night sky (weather dependent; dress for outdoors). Hosted by UNH associate professor of physics and astronomy Francois Foucart, speakers are Ben Chandran, professor of physics and astronomy; John Gianforte, UNH Observatory director; Amy Keesee, associate professor of physics and astronomy; and Dave Mattingly, associate professor of physics and astronomy. Beer from York Beach Beer Co. and SoMe Brewing Co. will be available to purchase. There will be no food at this event.
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Doors open 5:30 pm and talks will start at 6:00 pm.
All ages welcome. ​​​
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Ben Chandran
Ben Chandran is a native New Englander from Amherst, Mass. After earning a bachelor's degree in physics and history from Yale University and a PhD in astrophysical sciences from Princeton University, he worked as a postdoctoral scientist at UCLA and then as a professor at the University of Iowa before returning to New England in 2005 to join the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of New Hampshire. He loves teaching and research, and his research focuses on the physics of plasmas (gases that are so hot that they become ionized), which play an important role in astrophysics as well as humanity’s quest to harness controlled thermonuclear fusion for power production.
John Gianforte
John Gianforte is the Director of the University of New Hampshire Observatory, astronomer, and Extension associate professor/Space Science Education, Youth & Family State Specialist. His main astronomical research interests include the observation and analysis of transits of exoplanets, and the characterization of exoplanetary systems. He also writes about astronomy on his web site: www.theskyguy.org and for local newspapers on local radio and television.  Gianforte is the co-founder of the Astronomical Society of Northern New England (ASNNE), which he helped form in 1983. 
Amy Keesee
Amy Keesee is an Associate Professor of physics and astronomy at UNH. Her research includes three areas: magnetospheric physics, instrument development, and laboratory plasma physics. In magnetospheric physics, she analyzes satellite-based data to understand the dynamics of the magnetosphere during geomagnetic storms. These data are often incorporated with computer models to improve understanding of the underlying physics. She is working to develop the next generation of plasma spectrometers to measure charged particles in space, particularly on small platforms such as CubeSats. The spectrometer is also being developed as a diagnostic for fusion energy producing plasma research. She is also involved in laboratory based plasma physics research, particularly with laser-based diagnostics. These studies help us to understand space-relevant phenomena.
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Dave Mattingly
Dave Mattingly is an Associate Professor of physics and astronomy at UNH. He researches theoretical high-energy physics.