Hello again Science Fans!
I’ve been traveling a lot these past few months. It always brings me a fresh perspective, seeing other parts of the US and the world.
It also reminds me that no matter what you are going through, someone is worse off than you.
Today we celebrate the first images released from the Vera C. Rubin observatory in Chile. They are loaded with fantastic detail, and already astronomers have discovered new things from these first images, including 2,100 previously unknown asteroids!
To get more information on the history of this telescope’s construction, the mission, and what’s in these first images, see Rubin Opens its Eyes and Vera Rubin Observatory will find Millions of Asteroids from Phil Plait, the Bad Astronomer. He’s pretty excited about the future discoveries with this telescope! There is so much detail in the pictures, as there should be given the size of the camera! Take some time to look at the high res images Phil links to and see what you can discover for yourself.
Commentary on six discoveries from the initial Rubin pictures released to the public. Remember, the Observatory isn’t fully operational yet. It is just being tested and calibrated at this point.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Rubin Observatory, consider attending the KIPAC talk at Stanford on Tuesday, either in person or virtually. Check our listing for details.
On June 22, the Greenwich Observatory in London, UK celebrated its 350th anniversary. I got to straddle the Prime Meridian, which goes through the Observatory, when I was in London two years ago. I published a picture of my feet on either side of it in the Schmooze when I returned to the US.
Meanwhile, the James Webb Space Telescope just directly imaged the lightest (in weight) planet imaged so far, dubbed TWA 7-b. Because stars are so bright, it is quite difficult to pick planets out from the glare, so this is quite an accomplishment. This is the first direct image of a planet from JWST.
Our Sun has been much more active than usual, with solar storms frequent and strong, causing a number of problems on Earth. One such problem is causing Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites to fall to earth earlier than expected, with as many as 523 falling between 2020 and 2024, coinciding with the increase in solar activity.
Have you heard about the Gold Standard for Science? No? I’m not surprised given how many Executive Orders come from the administration these days, but on May 23rd, such an order was published. Sounds like a good plan, right? Too bad it isn’t what it seems to be, and is opposed by over 6,000 scientists.
One outcome from the cuts to funding for science by the administration is causing NASA and the NSF to withdraw from major astronomy meetings. Also, the Rubin Observatory is funded by NASA and the National Science foundation, both of which face significant budget cuts.
Honda, the company that makes automobiles, lawn mowers, generators, motorcycles, and all sorts of other things, now also makes reusable rockets, successfully launching their first one about 1,000 feet into the air and landing it again.
On the environmental front, scientists announced that the 1.5C global warming target will be reached much sooner than predicted. We have three years left to take action, according to this report. This isn’t good news. The administration is ignoring this warning from Mother Nature and instead is making it easier to drill and mine more fossil fuels, relaxing clean air standards, etc. Sigh.
What if I told you that you could have a cure for the stuffy nose of a cold or allergy sprayed up your nose, and that the cure was actually a bunch of nano-bots. Would you do it?
Finally, the California Academy of Sciences holds the BigPicture Natural World Photography contest each year. Here are some images from this year’s contest, along with descriptions of how each was captured.
Nature at her best!
Have a great week in Science!
Bob Siederer
Upcoming Events:
Click to see the next two weeks of events in your browser.
Monday, 06/30/2025
Virtual Movie Screening of SALLY, a National Geographic Documentary Film - 06/30/2025 08:00 PM
Astronomical Society of the Pacific
The ASP is excited to cap off Pride month in the Bay Area, California, with a special FREE virtual screening of the new National Geographic Documentary Film, SALLY.
Sally Ride became the first American woman to blast off into space, but beneath her unflappable composure, she carried a secret. Revealing the romance and sacrifices of their 27 years together, Sally’s life partner, Tam O’Shaughnessy, tells the full story for the first time of this complicated and iconic astronaut.
From National Geographic Documentary Films, SALLY is directed by Emmy® Award-winning filmmaker Cristina Costantini.
Winner - Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize, Sundance Film Festival, 2025
See weblink to register
Tuesday, 07/01/2025
The First Glimpses Into the Deepest Cosmic Mysteries - 07/01/2025 07:00 PM
Hewlett Teaching Center Stanford
What is the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, and what makes it so special? Join us for flash talks and a panel Q&A to learn more about how Rubin is set to transform the future of astronomy with the release of its first scientific images!
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory, equipped with the largest digital camera ever built on Earth, is set to capture detailed images of the entire sky every few nights for the next 10 years. This unprecedented project will help scientists tackle the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy, map our own Milky Way, monitor transient objects like asteroids, and build the most comprehensive inventory of the Solar System to date. On June 23, the Rubin Observatory will release its first scientific images - “The First Look.”
Join us for a special public event in celebration of Rubin’s First Look and the beginning of a new era in astronomy! This event will include brief presentations on the first images and the science areas Rubin is set to transform, followed by a live panel Q&A to discuss the Observatory’s exciting scientific potential in the coming decade.
Featuring speakers:
Prof. Aaron Roodman (SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory): lead of the Vera Rubin Observatory camera program; expert in the study of dark energy
Prof. Risa Wechsler (Stanford & SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory): director of KIPAC; expert in the study of dark matter, the Milky Way, and satellite galaxies
Dr. Shreya Anand (Stanford): postdoctoral scholar; expert in the study of transient objects
Dr. Christian Aganze (Stanford): postdoctoral scholar; expert in the study of the Milky Way and brown dwarfs
Attend in person or online (see weblink to register)
Wednesday, 07/02/2025
July LASER Event - 07/02/2025 07:00 PM
LASER Leonardo Art Science Evening Rendezvous Stanford
Greg Niemeyer (UC Berkeley Center for New Media) on "Data Art"
Michael Heaney (Physicist) on "The paradoxes of quantum mechanics"
Paul Max Payton (Computer Scientist) on "Complex Geometry -- Completing the Map of Space".
Li Ka Shing Building, Room 101/102
Thursday, 07/03/2025
SETI Live: Dreams of Biogenesis: A Conversation with Artist Jennifer Willet - 07/03/2025 02:30 PM
SETI Institute
How does life begin? This intriguing question touches on science, philosophy, and the imagination. Artist and INCUBATOR Art Lab Director Jennifer Willet created an artwork that visualizes the theories of SETI Institute Drake Award recipients Dr. David Deamer and Dr. John Baross. Willet’s work, Dreams of Biogenesis, imagines the birth of life on our planet as a reverie of molecules, cells, micro and multicellular organisms assembling and evolving under unique environmental conditions. Join SETI AIR Director Bettina Forget and Jennifer Willet for a conversation about creative research that combines fine arts practices with applied biotechnologies.
NightLife - 07/03/2025 06:00 PM
California Academy of Sciences San Francisco
When the lights dim, the museum comes alive at NightLife. With live DJs, hand-crafted drinks, glowing lights, and 60,000 live animals (including familiar faces like Claude, our alligator with albinism), the night is sure to be wild.
Plus, you can:
Explore our two newest exhibits, Dino Days and Unseen Oceans:
Roam among 13 life-size animatronic dinosaurs in our outdoor gardens then embark on a journey to the deep sea with interactive activations and glowing supersized models.
Step inside the iconic Shake House earthquake simulator and our four-story Osher Rainforest, where you can explore the Amazon’s treetops surrounded by free-flying birds and butterflies.
Venture into our aquarium exhibit Venom to encounter live venomous animals and learn the power of venom to both harm and heal.
Bask in the glow of one of the largest living indoor coral reef displays in the world: our 212,000-gallon Philippine Coral Reef habitat.
Take in the interstellar views from the Living Roof, then grab a bite from the Academy Café and head to the West Garden to drink and dine under the stars.
After Dark: Boom - 07/03/2025 06:00 PM
ExplOratorium San Francisco
Pop! Bang! Crash! Expand your knowledge of all things that go boom tonight. Discover the physics and history of fireworks, and watch a live demonstration of flame color chemistry. Immerse yourself in the science of energetic materials (aka things that explode), and the physics behind detonations.
Ages 18+
Saturday, 07/05/2025
First Saturday: Free Tour of the Santa Cruz Arboretum - 07/05/2025 11:00 AM
Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden Santa Cruz
Around the World in 60-90 Minutes!
On the first Saturday of each month, the Arboretum offers a docent or staff-led tour of the Arboretum.
Sometimes you will see New Zealand, South Africa, California, and Australia. Sometimes you might see combinations of several gardens or the developing World Conifer Collection or Rare Fruit Garden. Tour length varies depending on what's in bloom and what the participants request.
Meet your tour guide(s) at 11:00 am at the entrance to the visitor parking lot. (Tours are canceled when the weather isn't suitable.)
Arboreteum cost is $10 General, $8 Seniors, $5 Ages 4 - 17
City Public Star Party - 07/05/2025 08:45 PM
City Star Parties - Tunnel Tops Park San Francisco
Come join the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers for free public stargazing of the Moon, planets, globular clusters and more!
The event will take place in Tunnel Tops National Park, parking is located adjacent to Picnic Place (210 Lincoln Blvd for GPS) with the telescopes setup in the East Meadow.
Dress warmly as conditions can be windy or cold in the Presidio. Rain, heavy fog or overcast skies cancel the event. Check the SFAA website for a cancellation notice before leaving for the star party.
Sunday, 07/06/2025
Independent Artists Fair - 07/06/2025 10:00 AM
The Crucible Oakland
We’re thrilled to announce that The Crucible will host our inaugural Independent Artists Fair. This special event will showcase the incredible talent of local artists and makers, featuring a vibrant mix of Crucible community members and some of our favorite Bay Area vendors.
Event Highlights:
Unique handmade goods from local artists
Beer and wine available for purchase.
A festive, family-friendly atmosphere
Sliding scale admission to ensure everyone can attend
Monday, 07/07/2025
The Art of Science Communication - 07/07/2025 10:00 AM
Berkeley Way West Berkeley
Tuesday, 07/08/2025
Pitchapalooza - 07/08/2025 10:00 AM
Berkeley Way West Berkeley
Wonderfest: The 'Trial of the Century': Scopes at 100 - 07/08/2025 07:00 PM
Hopmonk Tavern Novato
The Lifecycle of a Plastic Bottle & Plastic Free July - 07/08/2025 07:30 PM
Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Pacific Grove
Astronomy on Tap East Bay - Alien Planets and the Universe Through a Lens - 07/08/2025 07:30 PM
Two Pitchers Oakland Oakland
Wednesday, 07/09/2025
Dropped Prey of the Endangered California Least Tern - 07/09/2025 10:00 AM
ExplOratorium San Francisco
Systemic Racism in Science Communication - 07/09/2025 10:00 AM
Berkeley Way West Berkeley
Fish Here, Fish There, Fish Detected Everywhere: Developing AI to find Salmonids in Sonar - Livestream - 07/09/2025 11:00 AM
Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
Thursday, 07/10/2025
Science-Self-Fandom: Promoting your work and your worth - 07/10/2025 10:00 AM
Berkeley Way West Berkeley
SETI Live: How Ceres Froze Over - 07/10/2025 02:30 PM
SETI Institute
NightLife: Upcycle - 07/10/2025 06:00 PM
California Academy of Sciences San Francisco
After Dark: Unplug and Play - 07/10/2025 06:00 PM
ExplOratorium San Francisco
Confessions of a Former Conspiracy Theorist - Livestream - 07/10/2025 06:30 PM
Bay Area Skeptics
Friday, 07/11/2025
Broader Impacts 2.0 - Livestream - 07/11/2025 10:00 AM
Science at Cal
Exploring the Extreme Universe - SOLD OUT - 07/11/2025 07:30 PM
Lick Observatory Mt. Hamilton
Saturday, 07/12/2025
Family Nature Adventures: The Amazing World of Insects! - 07/12/2025 10:30 AM
Chabot Space and Science Center Oakland
Tule Boat Workshop - 07/12/2025 01:00 PM
Lawrence Hall of Science Berkeley
Music of the Spheres - Creatures from Outer Space: 'Spider Pulsars' - 07/12/2025 07:30 PM
Lick Observatory Mt. Hamilton
Monday, 07/14/2025
The Sun and the Earth: A Magnetic Connection - 07/14/2025 07:30 PM
California Academy of Sciences San Francisco