Bogus Astronomy

Bogus Astronomy

with Kenneth Bechis

Two sessions:
July 22 and 29 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
at Berkshire Community College

In-person only.

Is it true that "In space no one can hear you scream"? Do Hollywood movies accurately portray spaceship battles, laser cannons, and explosions? Are space aliens invading Earth really ill-advised? How well do Earthbound media and the general population understand astronomical concepts -- e.g., why is it hotter in the summer than the winter? Does it matter that our Sun travels yearly through 14 constellations, not just the 12 familiar Zodiacal ones?

Why does astronomy, unlike other sciences, have conspiracy theories -- e.g., did Stanley Kubrick help NASA fake the Moon landings? Or, did Martians construct a giant Face on their planet along with canals?

Let's explore these and other topics in a two-part discussion-based workshop with lots of videos, celestial images, and fun!

Kenneth P. Bechis retired from Northrop Grumman as Chief Scientist in the Space Operations/Environmental Solutions Division, and as a Distinguished Technical Fellow in the Intelligence Systems Sector. He holds a bachelor's in astronomy from Harvard College, a master's of science in physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a doctorate in astrophysics from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and is a former NASA Payload Specialist Astronaut.

Cost: $30 for OLLI at BCC members,
           $35 for non-members

Sign up today!

Register online or call 413.236.2190 (M-F 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.) to register by phone with a credit card.