October 2017 issue of Ames' newsletter, the Astrogram
Catching the Shadow of a Neptunian Moon
by Nick Veronico
Researchers on the flying observatory SOFIA, the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, are preparing for a two-minute opportunity to study the atmosphere of Neptune’s moon Triton as it casts a faint shadow on Earth’s surface. This is the first chance to investigate Triton’s atmosphere in 16 years.
On Oct. 5, 2017, as Triton passes in front of a faraway star it will block the star’s light in an eclipse-like event called an occultation. During the celestial alignment, the team aboard the specially equipped Boeing 747SP aircraft will make observations of the distant star’s light as it passes through Triton’s atmosphere.
Triton has not passed in front of bright stars for many years, making occultation observations difficult. Now, as Triton passes in front of a bright star, the data collected by SOFIA’s 100-inch (2.5-meter) on board telescope and three powerful instruments will enable researchers to better study and characterize the moon’s atmosphere, including its temperature, pressure and density.
For full feature story, see: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/catching-the-shadow-of-a-neptunian-moon
Research and Technology Programs Showcased at Ames
The Scientific Quest to Explain Kepler’s Most Enigmatic Find
by Abby Tabor
Some 1,500 light years from Earth, a mystery of stellar proportions is playing out. A singular star out there captured scientists’ and the public’s imagination in September 2015 with its strangely fluctuating brightness. Ever since then, the scientific community has been observing this enigmatic character and sifting methodically through the data in search of an answer. Certain explanations are eliminated, while other likely suspects come to the fore. Meanwhile, the world has the chance to watch, as the scientific process and the mystery continue to unfold.
The star under scrutiny is officially known as KIC 8462852, but was nicknamed “Tabby’s Star,” for its discoverer, Tabetha Boyajian, an assistant professor of astrophysics at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. It first became famous when data from NASA’s Kepler space telescope revealed that sudden and significant dips in its brightness had occurred in 2011 and 2013. The star’s light dimmed by as much as a whopping 22 percent for days at a time. No other star out of more than 200,000 that Kepler measured during its original, four-year mission behaves in exactly this way.
For full feature story, see: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/ames/the-scientific-quest-to-explain-kepler-s-most-enigmatic-find
20th Annual Chili Cook-Off – Bring on the Games!
Ghouls, Wildlife, Witches and More Enter Annual Halloween Costume Contest
Carol Carroll Introduced as New Ames Deputy Center Director at All Hands
“TechWomen” Empowers, Connects and Supports Women Leaders in STEM
The International TechWomen’s Program sponsored a visit to NASA Ames of women from Uzbekistan, Lebanon and Parkistan. The women recently spent a month interning at Ames. The mission of TechWomen is to empower, connect and support the next generation of women leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by providing them access and opportunity to advance their careers, pursue their dreams and become role models for women and girls in their communities. TechWomen is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). TechWomen, launched in 2011, supports the United States’ global commitment toward advancing the rights and participation of women and girls around the world by enabling them to reach their full potential in the tech industry. TechWomen is managed by the Center for Women’s Leadership Initiatives (WLI) at the Institute of International Education (IIE).
HACE and ADA Advisory Groups Host Joint Panel Discussion
The Ames Disability Advocates (ADA) and the Hispanic Advisory Committee for Employees (HACE) advisory groups, in celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Hispanic Heritage Month, hosted a panel discussion of Ames employees on Oct. 2, 2017. The panelists highlighted their contributions to Ames and the Agency as well as shared their community outreach initiatives.
Held each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a time to celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. The 2017 NDEAM theme is “Inclusion Drives Innovation.” All play an important part in fostering a more inclusive workforce, one where every person is recognized for his or her abilities—every day of every month.
During National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15), we recognize the contributions made and the important presence of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrate their heritage and culture. Hispanics have had a profound and positive influence on our country through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work and service. They have enhanced and shaped our national character with centuries-old traditions that reflect the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their community.
“Principles of Success in Spaceflight,” Presented by Andrew Chaikin
Employees Jogged, Walked and Strolled at the Ames Fall Fun Run on Oct. 4, 2017
Statistical Summary of Activities of the Protective Service Division’s Security/Law Enforcement and Fire Protection Services Units for Period Ending September 2017
