Living with a Turbulent Sun: A History of Solar Research at NCAR's High Altitude Observatory

A free public talk on the birth of NCAR's High Altitude Observatory and solar research in Colorado, with a look at how the observatory influenced Boulder's rise as a center for science and technology

Wednesday, September 20, 7:30 p.m., Boulder Public Library Auditorium

BOULDER -- What's the connection between a small solar observatory built near Leadville in 1940 and Boulder's current status as a hub of science and technology? On Wednesday, September 20, at 7:30 p.m. in the Boulder Public Library Auditorium, solar researcher Thomas Bogdan of the National Center for Atmospheric Research will take listeners on a journey to discover the link, as he shares a historical view of NCAR's High Altitude Observatory (HAO) and the personalities that made it happen. His talk is free and open to the public.

At NCAR, Bogdan studies the Sun's magnetic field and uses sound waves to analyze sunspot structure. He came to NCAR and HAO in 1983 after completing undergraduate work at the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Ph.D. in physics at the University of Chicago. An aficionado of medieval history, Bogdan became interested in HAO history during preparations to celebrate its 60th anniversary this year. He's been combing archives at NCAR and the University of Colorado to learn more about the individuals who contributed to pioneering solar research and the distinctive character of Boulder. His talk will include images of the Sun captured with the latest observing technology, and he'll offer a brief look at why scientists continue to strive to understand the Sun's structure and its influence on the Earth.

NCAR is managed by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, a consortium of more than 60 universities offering Ph.D.s in atmospheric and related sciences.