The Frankfort Community Public Library is excited to announce a visit from BJ Austin, NASA Solar System Ambassador. Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing by learning all about it from a real astronomer! On Saturday, July 20, at 1:00 p.m. BJ Austin will speak about NASA’s First Moon Landing. The event will be held in Skanta Theatre in the Frankfort Community Public Library. Light snacks and punch will be served following the program. This all-ages event is free and open to the public.
The First Moon Landing required years of research and exploration. The mission’s stated objective was to “perform a manned lunar landing and return.”
On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz (Edwin) Aldrin were the first to set foot on the moon’s surface. These astronauts brought samples back from the moon, and shared the first pictures of the Earth from space, which have generated scientific research an many fields ever since.
According the NASA Solar System Ambassador website, “B.J. Austin is the president of an aerospace propulsion research and development and engineering services firm focused on furthering space exploration and space commercialization through advanced propulsion system designs. Mr. Austin’s roles include modeling systems, developing propellant formations, designing combustion devices, and analyzing test results. Mr. Austin is also the president of the Wabash Valley Astronomical Society (WVAS) located in West Lafayette, Indiana. WVAS is a group of dedicated amateur astronomers that work to expand their knowledge of astronomy and observing techniques and share their knowledge with the astronomy community and public. Mr. Austin earned both his Bachelors of Science (1999) and Masters of Science in Aeronautical and Astronautically Engineering (2002) from Purdue University.”
The NASA Solar System Ambassador program strives to bring NASA missions and science to the public with the use of motivated, knowledgeable volunteers working in their own communities. The program currently has over 730 ambassadors in the 50 states, territories, and military bases. These ambassadors set up events throughout the country to inspire scientific learning and interest.
The NASA Solar System Ambassador at Frankfort Community Public Library is a free event open to all ages. For more information, contact Rachel Milburn, Teen Services Manager, at (765)654-8746 or email at [email protected].