ROTARY LUNCHEON: Andrew Fraknoi and the James Webb Space Telescope

Scientists, the media, and the public have applauded the early images from the James Webb Space Telescope. But there is far more to our expectations from this remarkable space instrument than just pretty pictures. In this introductory talk, astronomer, physicist, and educator Andrew Fraknoi explains what makes the Webb a truly pioneering instrument and what the early images actually show. In the process, he discusses how the Webb observes an “invisible universe” of infrared rays, and what astronomers are hoping to learn from the Webb about “cosmic evolution” — the birth and death of stars, planets, and galaxies. No background in science is required to understand this program.

During the latter part of his presentation, Mr. Fraknoi will say a few words about two spectacular eclipses of the sun coming to the U.S. The first 100 in-person attendees at this Rotary Luncheon will receive a free pair of solar glasses that allow you to look directly at the sun during eclipses or at any other time.

Andrew Fraknoi teaches astronomy and physics at the Fromm Institute of the University of San Francisco and through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of San Francisco State University. He was educated at Harvard and the University of California, Berkeley, and  is the lead author of the most frequently used introductory astronomy textbook in the country, Astronomy, published free online by the nonprofit OpenStax project. Mr. Fraknoi appears on regional and national radio programs, explaining astronomy in everyday language. The International Astronomical Union has named Asteroid 4859 Asteroid Fraknoi to recognize his contributions to the public appreciation of science. See: http://fraknoi.com for more information about his work.

A three-course lunch will be served. If you require a vegetarian, gluten free, or vegan lunch, please email Past President Mary Liu.

For Club members and visitors, there is a $45 charge for in-person attendance (which covers the cost of your lunch). NOTE: For those who wish to participate via Zoom, there is a $10 fee to attend.

Click here to register for in-person attendance.

Click here to register for attendance via Zoom. 

For in-person attendees: The cost for in-person registration will remain $45 if you register early until 11:59 AM on Friday, January 27, 2023. When the clock strikes noon on Friday, January 27, 2023, the price will go up to $60. If you show up at the door on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 as a walk-in, you will be charged $60. Please note that once Past President Mary Liu provides the headcount to the Hotel Nikko on the Friday before our Tuesday meeting, we will be billed for that count regardless of whether you show or not. Therefore, it is important to let her know if you are unable to attend after registering, but no later than Sunday night. If you are a no-show without notifying her ahead of time, the Club will be billed the cost of the meal and will have to pass the cost down to you. We hope to not have to do this.

Parking: If you are driving to the Hotel Nikko for this meeting, please leave your car with the Hotel Nikko valet. Pick up a validation sticker available at our check-in table. The discounted parking is $17.50 for three hours.

COVID-19 Protocol

If you do not feel well, please do not attend in person. Masks for those attending in person are optional during the event. We recommend that fully vaccinated individuals wear masks when the risk may be high.