The DAS Spring Banquet features:
- Social/Cocktail time - Cash bar at 5:30 p.m.
- Awards & New Officer & Trustee Introductions at 6:20 p.m.
- Banquet-style dinner - at 7:00 p.m.
- Astronomy Presentation - at 8:00 p.m.
- More social time - until 10:00 p.m.
Presentation:
"Waiting on a Nova: From Peltier’s Notebook to Today’s Telescopes"
Abstract: T Coronae Borealis (T CrB) is one of the rare novae that erupts on a human timescale, keeping astronomers—both amateur and professional—on the edge of their seats. This talk will explore the history of T CrB, from Leslie Peltier’s poetic observations to the cutting-edge research being conducted today in anticipation of its next outburst. Along the way, we’ll discuss what makes this system so special, how observers past and present have contributed to our understanding, and why we’re all still waiting on a nova.
Bio: Dr. Brian Kloppenborg is an astrophysicist, entrepreneur, and the Executive Director of the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO). He earned a PhD in Physics with an astrophysics specialization from the University of Denver and a BA in Physics from Hastings College. Before joining the AAVSO, Dr. Kloppenborg worked as a Research Scientist at the Georgia Tech Research Institute, where he led multidisciplinary teams as a subject matter expert, lead engineer, product owner, and project director.
Dr. Kloppenborg’s research focuses on combining photometry, spectroscopy, astrometry, and long-baseline optical interferometry to deepen our understanding of eclipsing binaries, novae, and young stellar objects. His work has been published in esteemed journals, including Nature, The Astrophysical Journal, and the Journal of the AAVSO.
Throughout his career, Dr. Kloppenborg has fostered collaboration between amateur and professional astronomers, advanced scientific discovery, and promoted educational outreach in astronomy.
Banquet Style Dinner
Salad: Caesar Salad with rolls and butter
Entrees:
Chicken Cordon Bleu - Chicken Breast stuffed with Ham & Cheese
topped with Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Lemon Pepper Grilled Salmon with Roasted Asparagus and
Wild Rice Pilaf
Pasta Primavera (Vegetarian) Linguini with Seasonal
Vegetables, Tomatoes, and Lemon Thyme Cream Sauce
Dessert: Chocolate Torte
Meal price: $35 per person regardless of entree.
Email info@denverastro.org if you need your meal to be gluten-free.
For banquet guests who prefer to spend the night at Embassy Suites rather than driving home, you may register here for a two-suite room with a king-size bed at a discounted rate of $130:
https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=DENTCES&arrivalDate=2025-03-15&departureDate=2025-03-16&groupCode=CESDA2&room1NumAdults=1&cid=OM%2CWW%2CHILTONLINK%2CEN%2CDirectLink