TIME: 11:30 - 12:30pm
DATE:  Wednesday Feburary 13, 2019
TITLE: SFU astronomy outreach: From campus to community
VENUE:  Halpern Centre, Rm 114 (SFU Burnaby Campus
SPEAKER: Dr. Howard Trottier

ABSTRACT:
Simon Fraser University has a long history of public science outreach. These efforts have taken a particular focus in recent years on engaging the public, as well as SFU undergrads, in the wonders of the night sky, and in the science of astronomy. The Trottier Observatory and Science Courtyard is the hub for this engagement of campus and community, and its location, in the heart of the Burnaby campus, serves as a powerful symbol of SFU's commitment to science education and public outreach. In this talk I'll give a virtual tour of the facility, describe the amazing public outreach work being done by SFU students, staff, and faculty, in cooperation with local amateur astronomers, and sample from some of the sophisticated projects being done at the observatory by SFU students and others.

Biography:
Dr. Howard Trottier is an Emeritus Professor of Physics. His alter-ego, Mr. Starry Nights @ SFU, draws thousands of people to the Burnaby campus every year, to experience the beauty and mystery of the universe at the Trottier Observatory and Science Courtyard. He has been recognized with a University Excellence in Teaching Award, and two Qilak Awards for Astronomy Communications, Public Education and Outreach, one from the Canadian Astronomical Society, and the other from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.