Name: [February monthly LVAS meeting] SWIFTly to the Rescue
Start: 2026-02-12T19:30:00-08:00
End: 2026-02-12T21:30:00-08:00
Location: The Dale Etheridge Planetarium at the College of Southern Nevada

[February monthly LVAS meeting] SWIFTly to the Rescue

Join us for the February 2026 monthly meeting of the Las Vegas Astronomical Society at the Dale Etheridge Planetarium. This event is free and open to the public. (Just show up!) We start at 7:30pm. *****Note that our meetings are usually First Thursdays, but in February we're meeting one week later*****
Note also: FB incorrectly shows the location as an on-campus restaurant. See details at the end of this event post for details on where to go, and where to park for free.
This month, astronomer Randall Dannen, PhD will discuss the groundbreaking mission to save the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory (SWIFT), a space telescope currently at risk of deorbiting by late 2026 due to atmospheric drag and orbital decay. NASA has officially awarded a contract to Katalyst Space Technologies to execute this rescue. The mission involves a first of its kind robotic docking with an 'unprepared' satellite to boost it into a higher, stable orbit, and extending SWIFT's operational life. We will also explore the spacecraft's development and the scientific impact.
Our presentations are intended for all curious minds, and all are welcome.

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First time coming to a general meeting? We welcome you! Here are some tips to make it easy for you!
--Get there a little early to snag a seat.
--Parking is free in either of the two lots next to the Planetarium.
--And here's how to find it:
1) Navigate/map to "CSN Planetarium Parking".
2) Park in that lot, or the larger lot just before it. Both are accessible from the road after you turn off of East Cheyenne Ave. Parking is free.
3) Next to both parking lots is a drop-off car loop that is near the Planetarium entrance, which is just behind it. You'll see a large letter "S" on a building; go just to the right of the "S" building. Go into the doors that say "SOUTH ENTRANCE" in big letters.
4) You will see a bench seat; the Planetarium door is just a few steps further. Come on in and take any open theater seat.