Earth and Space Open House: Adventures in Field Science

Please join us for our first Earth and Space Open House of the year, "Adventures in Field Science: Exploration in the Great Outdoors"!

The event will include a panel discussion beginning at 7:40 p.m.

About the Speakers

Hannah Bercovici: My research this summer took me to Iceland, where I collected samples from specific regions of the island that are volcanically active. I collected pieces of lava to obtain crystals that contain trapped pockets of gases like fluorine, chlorine and sulfur. I'm trying to find which regions of Iceland have erupted the most of these gases, so that I can determine where in the Earth's interior is the source for the Iceland lavas.

Lorraine Carnes: My research focuses on geomorphology, with study areas in southeastern Arizona and elsewhere in the world. I worked in collaboration with Hannah Bercovici in Iceland to analyze the landscapes from which we collected volcanic samples. The morphology of volcanic landforms can play an important role in studies of the eruptions that formed them.

Kevin Hubbard: My research has investigated the formation of nickel, copper and platinum-group ore deposits in the Stillwater igneous complex in Montana. I am trying to use the Stillwater complex as an analog for resource exploration on other planetary surfaces, such as Mars.

Everett Shock: I will be talking about the SUBSEA program, one of several ongoing research projects I am involved in. The SUBSEA program is exploring hydrothermal vents in the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii, especially the submarine volcano Lo'ihi. My research group is interested in these hydrothermal systems as geochemical analogs that may tell us about the habitability of ocean worlds. 

Stephanie Sparks: My background is in computer simulation of large-scale mountain-building. I focus on the Himalayan mountain range and attempt to understand processes at work over long timescales throughout the entire range. I compare the results of my simulations with information on stress on temperature that I can extract from rocks collected in the Himalaya.

What is Earth and Space Open House all about?

There are tons of exciting things to do and see at our open house events. Explore and interact with state-of-the-art science exhibits in the Gallery of Scientific Exploration. Listen to a captivating public lecture. Immerse yourself in space with 3D planetarium shows in the Marston Exploration Theater. When the skies outside are clear, stargaze through telescopes and learn about the night sky. Talk with experts in astrobiology, earthquakes, the moon, Mars, meteorites, geology, space exploration, cosmology and much more. Finally, participate in a variety of hands-on science activities for all ages — some of which you can even take home!

Location:

This event will take place within the Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building IV (ISTB4) on the ASU Tempe campus. Nearby, there will be telescope viewing (weather permitting) a short distance from the building.

For a map of ASU showing ISTB4, click here.

Plan on joining us?

ASU Earth and Space Open House will always happen, rain or shine. As always, admission is free!

What is there to do at the Open House?

• Come see the winter sky and view exciting celestial objects through our telescopes with the ASU Astronomy Club.
• Learn about Earth and its rocks with the GeoClub.
• Touch a rock from outer space! Stop by the Center for Meteorite Studies on the second floor.
• View our out-of-this-world poster display.
• Have a question about the universe? Ask an astronomer!
• Find out all about the moon by stopping by the LROC table.
• See a full-scale replica of the Curiosity Rover currently on Mars and find out about the latest news about what is happening on the Red Planet.
• Make your own alien at the astrobiology table, but there's more to astrobiology than just aliens. Learn about the real science astrobiologists do.
• See how scientists measure earthquakes.
• Put on 3D glasses and zoom through the cosmos with us.
• And much more!

Event Schedule

6:30 p.m. — Doors open
6:45 p.m. — 3D planetarium show* 
7:30 to 9:30 p.m. — Telescopes open for public viewing
7:40 p.m. — Keynote lecture, "Adventures in Field Science: Exploration in the Great Outdoors" featuring the list of speakers below: 

• Hannah Bercovici: "What Can Iceland Volcanoes Say About Earth's Interior?"
• Lorraine Carnes: "Geomorphology of Icelandic Volcanoes"
• Kevin Hubbard: "Montana's Stillwater Igneous Complex: Possible Analog for Mars Resource Exploration?"
• Everett Shock: "Exploring Hawaii's Lo'ihi Seamount with the SUBSEA Program"
• Stephanie Sparks: "Exploring the Himalayas"

8:50 p.m. — 3D planetarium show*
9:30 p.m. — Event ends

*The two 3D planetarium shows and keynote lecture will be held in the Marston Exploration Theater. Please note that seating is first come, first served. Doors to the Marston Exploration Theater will open five minutes before the start of each show and the theater will be emptied following each presentation.

FAQs

What are my parking options?

ASU's Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building IV (ISTB4), the home of the School of Earth and Space Exploration (map), is located near the intersection of Rural and Terrace Road in Tempe on the east side of campus. This seven-story structure is ASU’s largest research facility and is accessible on foot via Orange Street and McAllister Avenue. If arriving by Light Rail, exit at the "University and Rural Road" stop.

Parking is available inside the Rural Road parking structure just east of ISTB4. From the parking structure, walk west and enter ISTB4 through the glass doors on the north side of the building. Please note that a parking fee is $3 per hour and is charged upon exiting the parking structure. There is additional paid parking directly south of ISTB4 available for $3 per hour. There is an automated payment registration kiosk on the parking lot's west side (the corner near the building).

Do I need to arrive early?
It is not recommended for guests to arrive early, as the doors to the building will only be open at 6:30 p.m. when the event begins.

Do I need to print my Eventbrite ticket(s)?

Please help us to be more sustainable and avoid printing your registration ticket(s). Instead, be sure to check-in at event registration with your last name.