Astronomy Chat with Karl Battams
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National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
Free
Chat with astronomer Karl Battams. Ask questions about comets that dive close to the Sun, like Comet ISON, or about how we study the Sun from space. Karl Battams works at the Naval Research Laboratory.
In the event of inclement weather, the program may be moved or postponed. Check @SIObservatory for updates or call (202) 633-2517.
Accessibility: The Observatory dome is accessible.
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This composite image from ESA/NASA's Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) combines a series of images of sungrazing comet ISON. The Sun is blocked from view with a small disk in front of the telescope. The Sun's position is marked by the white circle.
ISON made its closest approach to the Sun during the evening of November 28, 2013, passing just 1.2 million kilometers from the Sun's visible surface. At first the comet was thought to have disintegrated during its fiery encounter, with just a remnant of its tail continuing along ISON's trajectory. But, the next day, it seemed clear that something had survived after all -- possibly a small chunk of ISON's nucleus, along with a lot of dust. This progressively faded as it edged towards SOHO's field of view on 30 November.
Scientists are still analyzing the data collected during ISON's encounter with the Sun to decipher the nail-biting chain of events that took place.
How to attend
National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
650 Jefferson Drive SW. Washington, DC 20560
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Support the Museum
We rely on the generous support of donors, sponsors, members, and other benefactors to share the history and impact of aviation and spaceflight, educate the public, and inspire future generations. With your help, we can continue to preserve and safeguard the world’s most comprehensive collection of artifacts representing the great achievements of flight and space exploration.