“What’s in the November Sky Beyond the Empire!” promises to be an entertaining double feature. Matt will first take us on a guided tour of the celestial wonders awaiting us in the November night, pointing out the planets, stars, and constellations that will be visible. Then with a fun nod to a cultural touchstone, Matt will then explore how Star Wars, and specifically “The Empire Strikes Back,” has influenced his thinking about other worlds and times. He’ll uncover surprising symbols hidden within the film that many of us may have missed, blending astronomy with a bit of galactic trivia. Matt Guasco, has been a dedicated member of our club for nearly a decade, Matt has developed a deep enthusiasm for the sky we live under, and he finds fascination in our nightly journey through the heavens and the ever-changing perspective offered by the seasons.

Tony will guide us from the basic principles of optics all the way to advanced design concepts, demystifying the inner workings of the many different telescopes and eyepieces available today.  He will cover everything from eyepieces to telescopes, with a special focus on how different configurations handle critical aspects like color correction. And this won’t just be a lecture—it’s an interactive tutorial. Tony has prepared a special optical demo to visually show how each lens type behaves, making these concepts come alive.  To make sure everyone has a great view for the demonstrations, we’ll be arranging the chairs in a close circle with Tony in the center. Tony Pirera, a long time ASLI member is the owner and operator of Spectrum Thin Films in Hauppauge, a sophisticated optical coating company.

Karl will guide us through one of the most profound and enduring questions in science and philosophy: “Where is everybody?” This question, famously known as the Fermi Paradox, challenges our understanding of the universe and our place in it. Karl will discuss the latest developments in the search for extraterrestrial life. He will delve into the core questions that both excite and puzzle scientists: Is life a common cosmic occurrence? And if so, is intelligent life common? Using his structured, analytical background, Karl will help us navigate the compelling arguments and scientific evidence surrounding this great mystery. Karl, a former civil engineer who later transitioned to a career in law, brings a unique and analytical perspective to his passions. It was almost a decade ago that a chance encounter with an old, dust-covered telescope in his parents’ attic ignited a deep and abiding interest in astronomy. He has been hooked on exploring the cosmos ever since.