Roundup: August 14, 2013

Almansor Court – 700 S. Almansor, Alhambra, CA
Social Hour: 5:00PM; Dinner: 6:00PM

Speaker: Dave Jurasevich
Subject: “Mount Wilson Observatory – Past, Present and Future”

Click here to view photos from the event.

As the world’s preeminent Observatory during the first half of the Twentieth Century, Mount Wilson holds a unique place in the history of scientific endeavor.  It was here that the great astronomer, Edwin Hubble, established the cornerstones of modern cosmology by unlocking the secrets of an expanding Universe, paving the way for our understanding of the Big Bang and ultimate fate of the Cosmos. Fueling the economic engine of scientific enterprise in Southern California, the Mount Wilson Observatory and its founder, George Ellery Hale, were the motivating forces that transformed the San Gabriel Valley into a major center of technological achievement, spawning institutions such as the California Institute of Technology, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and a host of other science-based organizations found here today.  Mr. Jurasevich takes the audience on a journey back in time, reliving the storied history of this great American institution. Walk in the footsteps of the finest astronomers of their age, learn how they deciphered the code of the Heavens, and marvel in their discoveries. These concepts put us firmly in our place in the Universe and forever changed our view of the world in which we live.

Dave Jurasevich is the Deputy Director of Operations for the Mount Wilson Observatory.  He graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in 1972 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. As an avid amateur astrophotographer, Mr. Jurasevich’s work has been published worldwide in astronomical journals and periodicals as well as being featured on NASA’s Astronomy Picture of the Day website.  He has appeared in various PBS documentaries, including productions by the BBC London, French, German and Swedish Public Television Corporations, as well as a PBS-KCET Huell Howser California’s Gold Special featuring the Mount Wilson Observatory. Be sure to attend a special tour of the historic observatory conducted by Mr. Jurasevich on the Saturday following the meeting. This tour is for Westerners and their guests only and builds on the history outlined in this dynamic presentation. Please see event flyer included for details.

Larry L. Boerio
Deputy Sheriff

Click here to view photos from the event.