News from the Chair

The Department features heavily at the upcoming American Astronomical Society meeting in Albuquerque

Astronomers in the UNM Physics and Astronomy department have partnered with National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) to organize two special sessions at the American Astronomical Society's semi-annual meeting taking place June 4-8 at the Albuquerque Convention Center. These meetings are the biggest gatherings of astronomers in the country.

There will be a session called "Radio Astronomy in New Mexico" which will feature talks on the UNM's Long Wavelength Array (LWA) radio telescope by Research Associate Professor Jayce Dowell, on the Very Large Array by Professor Emeritus and Assistant Director for New Mexico Operations at NRAO, Trish Henning, and on UNM's LWA Swarm concept by Tom Maccarone of Texas Tech.

What's more, Distinguished Professor Greg Taylor has been chosen to give a Plenary Talk entitled "A Decade of Observing with the Long Wavelength Array".

There will also be a session entitled "Astronomy and Astronomy Education in New Mexico" which aims to highlight statewide astronomy-related efforts such as: education and mentorship programs, outreach projects, and resources for both amateur and professional astronomers to take advantage of the state’s pristine night skies.

The session will include a contributed talk on the department's undergraduate peer mentoring program, PUMP.

About the AAS

The American Astronomical Society is a major international organization of professional astronomers, astronomy educators, and amateur astronomers.

The AAS was established in 1899 and is based in Washington, DC. Our membership of about 8,200 individuals also includes physicists, mathematicians, geologists, engineers, and others whose research and educational interests lie within the broad spectrum of subjects now comprising the astronomical sciences.