Free Exploring Space Lecture Series — Attend in Person or View Online

Written by Nathan Smith on February 12, 2015. Posted in STEM and STEAM.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Hubble Space Telescope’s release into space. The 2015 Exploring Space Lectures will feature world-class scholars discussing some of the most innovative scientific research conducted using Hubble and exploring the insights the telescope has uncovered about our universe. Presenters will also discuss the telescope’s serviceability, design, administration, execution, and place in history.

Fixing Hubble
Feb. 26, 2015, at 8 p.m. EST
The Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions represent humanity’s quest to discover more about our universe and the limits that we will push to achieve this goal. Frank J. “Cepi” Cepollina, associate director of NASA’s Satellite Servicing Capabilities Office, will share the stories, challenges and significance of the Hubble Space Telescope servicing missions.

Servicing the Hubble Space Telescope
March 26, 2015, at 8 p.m. EDT
Launched in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope was designed to be serviced by the space shuttle. Former astronaut Michael J. Massimino will discuss the final Hubble Space Telescope Servicing Mission, during which the crew upgraded Hubble through a record-setting series of five spacewalks including the first ever repair of Hubble science instruments in place.

Hubble Telescope: Looking Back in Time at the Distant Universe
June 11, 2015, at 8 p.m. EDT
One of the Hubble Space Telescope’s greatest triumphs has been the clear view it has given of very distant galaxies. Astronomers Sandra Faber and Robert Williams will discuss how this clearer view has enabled astronomers to piece together the formation of structure in the universe.

The Hubble Space Telescope: The Agony and the Ecstasy
June 30, 2015, at 8 p.m. EDT
The Hubble Space Telescope is the most famous scientific instrument ever built, but its remarkable history has seen numerous ups and downs. Professor Robert Smith, author of the definitive history of the Hubble Space Telescope, will explore some of the most exciting and telling episodes in this rich history.

The lectures will be held at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in the District of Columbia, and attendance is free. However, tickets are required. Come early to see a free film and to meet the lecturer. The lectures will be webcast live for free viewing. Lecture videos will be archived.

For more information about the Smithsonian’s Exploring Space Lecture Series, visit http://airandspace.si.edu/events/lectures/exploring-space/.

Questions about this series should be directed to the Visitor Service line at 202-633-2214.

Nathan Smith

Nathan Smith is Director of Technology for the College of Education and Human Services at Utah State University. In that role, he also directs The Adele & Dale Young Education Technology Center (The YETC) located in room 170 of the Education Building on Utah State University's Logan campus. The YETC is a combination student openaccess computer facility, a K12 curriculum materials library, a NASA Educator Resource Center for Utah, and a technology training center. Nathan served eight years (20042012) on the Board of Directors for the Utah Coalition for Education Technology (UCET) He was reelected in 2014 to serve another two year term on the board. A former elementary school teacher, Nathan has taught students every age from young children to senior citizens. He has had the opportunity beginning in 2011 to train international high school teachers from all over the world about technology in education, through the U.S. State