Past Events

Abstract: NASA's latest great flagship observatory, JWST, was built in part to reveal the earliest moments of cosmic history. In the ~2 years since it began releasing data to the public, JWST has enthralled scientists and the public alike with the incredible images and spectroscopic information from astronomical objects as nearby as our solar system and beyond to the most distant reaches of the Universe.

CU Boulder Geology Professor Brian Hynek has traveled the globe in search of rocks from outer space. These rocks tell fascinating stories...the geologic, hydrologic, and climatic histories of our neighboring planets. Meet at CU Planetarium for a memorable Saturday morning CU Wizards show presented by a real rock star who is seeking to answer one of the greatest questions: Are we alone?!

Abstract

Abstract: Exotic states of matter are among many physical systems that are candidates for realizing quantum computing.

Abstract:  Clouds have long represented a significant source of uncertainty in the estimation of the Earth Radiation Budget (ERB) from space- or airborne imagery observations. In passive cloud remote sensing, three-dimensional (3D) cloud structures observed in nature are often captured as homogeneous (1D) representations. On the one hand, this limits our ability to access process-level understanding of interactions playing out in an inhomogeneous atmosphere.

Abstract:   Ever since the invention of the laser over 60 years ago, scientists have been striving to create x-ray lasers. In the same way that visible lasers can concentrate light energy far better than a light bulb, a directed beam of x-rays would have many useful applications. The problem was that until recently, ridiculously high powers were needed to make an x-ray laser.

Abstract: The Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) spacecraft mission characterized and collected a sample from asteroid (101955) Bennu.

Abstract: Learning the expectation values of observables is an important task in quantum information, with applications to characterization of quantum devices and quantum optimization algorithms. We propose an estimation method called The Optimal Observable expectation value Learner, or TOOL, that can learn the expectation value of any given observable using the outcomes of any given measurement protocol. We prove that TOOL is minimax optimal for every observable and measurement protocol, and can dramatically outperform classical shadows for many observables of interest.

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Abstract: In the study of quantum matter, measurements have traditionally been viewed as a means of learning about a system.  Measure

Abstract: Ever wondered how the US Federal budget gets developed, and how this impacts NASA funding? How certain programs or missions get cut and then later come back to life? What you can do when your particular favorite mission gets axed?  Don’t get angry – get creative! Dr. Loschnigg will give an overview of the U.S. Federal budget process, with a focus on how NASA mission and program lines get funded, and how the Congressional appropriations process can sometimes counteract Presidential direction.

Abstract: Optically pumped magnetometers are popular because of their scalar accuracy, sensitivity, and compact design. However, their use in vector magnetometry often requires mechanical references like, e.g., a coil system, which can be prone to drifts and machining tolerances affecting vector accuracy. Common approaches to address this involve mechanical rotation of the magnetometer system for calibration.

Abstract: Starting from just a sheet of paper, by folding, stacking, crumpling, sometimes tearing, we will explore a diversity of phenomena, from magic tricks and geometry to elasticity and the traditional Japanese art of origami. Much of the lecture consists of table-top demonstrations, which you can try later with friends and family.

So, take a sheet of paper . . .

Abstract: The first robotic commercial lunar lander, Intuitive Machines’ Odysseus, touched down on the Moon in the South Pole region on 22 February 2024. This mission was part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. Odysseus carried with it the first NASA radio astronomy telescope to the surface of the Moon – Radiowave Observations at the Lunar Surface of the photoElectron Sheath (ROLSES).