FREE PUBLIC EVENT: Ambrose University and the CSCA present a family-friendly public lecture with a Christmas theme from Dr. Stephen Jeans (developer and instructor of Ambrose University’s Earth and Space Science courses).
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Star of Bethlehem: The Magi’s Fireball?
Our second year of celebrating possible origins of the Christmas Star at Ambrose University, “The Magi’s Fireball” gives participants an opportunity to hear about cosmic phenomena and see an actual meteor shower. Questions to be explored include: What did the Magi follow as His star? What can modern scientific knowledge tell us of celestial occurrences observed from our planet? And what can astronomy tell us of this ancient near east biblical account from millennia ago — the Star of Bethlehem.
Come to an evening of beautiful images from the night sky and outer space which begin to explain current findings about meteors and other natural phenomenal of our universe, including conjunctions and fireballs, that may have been the sign of the nativity. This presentation starts with an hour of full-colour space images (mainly from ground-based astrophotographers and space-based NASA telescopes) to complement an analysis of biblical accounts suggesting how/what might have been the Christmas star of the Magi.
Content and the level of reading will be introductory, which is family-friendly for the general public, with a strong hint of academia. At the conclusion of the image presentation questions will be taken from the audience on this topic and related science themes by Dr. Jeans.
Following the lecture refreshments are served and participants gather either indoors (if cloudy) or outdoors (clear sky) for instructions on how to find and observe the Geminids meteor shower by Dr. Jeans and astronomers of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Telescopic equipment will be on-site to explore other objects in the nighttime sky and to help educate members of the public on using any equipment they may bring to this special Christmas Star Party. Dress warm!
Stephen Jeans has degrees in science and education along with a passion for communicating about both and how they intersect with faith. Academia-oriented outreach is a specialty of his, which includes educating through hands-on workshops in science-technology, giving talks on topics ranging from cosmology to climate change, and engaging participants to explore through field trips and star parties the wonders of our world. Along with research, writing, and teaching at other institutions, Dr. Jeans develops and delivers Earth and Space Science courses (astronomy, geology, and physical geography) for Ambrose University in Calgary, Alberta.