Have you ever imagined a global, collaborative network of telescopes working as one? SkyMapper is building exactly that: the world’s first decentralized, real-time telescope and all-sky camera network, powered by Web3 technology and AI-driven insights.Tom Esposito, chief scientist at SkyMapper, will present SkyMapper’s mission to democratize space exploration for everyone—researchers, educators, citizen scientists, and curious stargazers alike. He’ll explain how their network, fueled by a global community from backyard observatories to professional sites, provides 24/7 coverage of the night sky.This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about a cutting-edge project that blends astronomy with modern technology to create a truly collaborative and transparent way to watch the sky. Thanks to Ed Chimney for recommending this exciting and innovative company to our members. 

Dr. Wijeyeratne is an Assistant Professor of History at Purdue University and will discuss his recently published book in this special interview-style presentation. “The Islands and the Stars: A History of Japan’s Space Programs”  is the first comprehensive English-language history of Japan’s civilian space program . The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is one of the world’s six largest national space agencies, with a budget exceeding $1 billion USD—larger than France, Germany, Italy, India, Canada, and the UK individually . Yet, Japan’s significant contributions have been largely absent from the global history of space exploration. Through meticulous archival research in both Japanese and English-language sources, Dr. Wijeyeratne traces the evolution of Japan’s space efforts over nearly a century – from their early origins in the 1920s, through the postwar period of rapid technological innovation, to the consolidation of various institutional elements into JAXA in 2003 . He examines how narratives around rocketry shifted dramatically over time: from emblems of imperial ambition before and during World War II, to symbols of peaceful scientific pursuit and national renewal in the postwar era. This is a rare opportunity to hear from a scholar who has opened a new window into a major spacefaring nation’s history. Please join us for what promises to be a thought-provoking and wide-ranging conversation.

This is an ASLI Club Observing Night, open to everyone!  We set up in the parking lot of the Vanderbilt Museum and the lights are turned off for us for the evening. Bring your telescope or binoculars to our public observing session, or look through our telescopes which we set up for everyone to look through.  We can show you some of the wonderful objects in the night sky during the evening.  We will only have this observing session if there are perfectly clear skies, however.  Check this website the day of this event before coming to the event, just to make sure it has not been cancelled because of weather.

Wow, another party already?   This is my favorite program, because we can all talk with each other all night long!  And eat and snack, of course…  You know the drill: bring “guilty pleasures” foods, or healthy foods and snacks and chips or desserts for all to share.  Bring something to drink to share as well.  Look forward to wonderful conversations.