At our November 20th meeting, Dr. Sanjana Curtis, a physicist at Oregon State University, will give a presentation on how heavy elements are created in neutron star mergers. Astronomers once thought that all heavy elements were forged in supernova explosions, but it turns out that smashing two incredibly dense neutron stars together is an even more efficient way to produce heavy elements like gold, silver, platinum, and uranium. Curtis studies these extremely violent events and their aftermath, and she’ll explain to us what she’s learned about the heavy elements in the universe.

At the meeting we will also have a slide show of the month’s astrophotos.

The meeting is at 7:00 on Thursday, November 20th at the Eugene Science Center planetarium, 2300 Leo Harris Parkway in Eugene (behind Autzen Stadium).

Dues are now due! Our dues year starts October 1st, so it’s time to get your payment in and stay up to date. Dues are still the same low $25 they’ve been for years. We accept cash, checks made out to Eugene Astronomical Society, or PayPal to eugeneastroboard@gmail.com. PayPal users, choose “Friends and Family” option or add $1 to cover fees. Let us know in the comments section who the dues are for! PayPal only reports email addresses. Everyone: please provide any updated contact information along with your dues. Note that joining the email list does not make you a member of the club. You must fill out an application and pay your dues in order to be a member in good standing.