15th February | 14:00-16:00 Hrs | EEE Audi
Out of the million questions that appear in one's mind, a few find answers while most remain unanswered. From time immemorial, the enigma of the universe has enthralled mankind. He has constantly endeavored to seek the limits of the "endless" universe.
For those curious insightful minds that thirst for convincing answers, Pragyan brings to you the man who has witnessed the blackness of space, explored the mysteries of celestial bodies and has literally unraveled the secrets of the cosmos.
A highly prolific researcher, Dr Loren Acton has made key theoretical and experimental contributions to the way we understand the sun and in doing so, nearly all the stars of the universe. With a B.S. degree from Montana State University and a Ph.D in astro-geophysics from the University of Colorado, Dr Loren Acton began his career as a junior scientist at General Electric Company in 1959. Thereafter from 1964 to 1966 he worked as an associate research scientist with Lockheed Missiles and Space where he developed instruments for the first Orbiting Astronomical Observatory, later returning as Senior Scientist at the Space Science Laboratories at Lockheed Martin.
Over 100 earth orbits, 2.8 million miles in space and 200 hours in space, Dr Acton was part of an extremely successful mission as a payload specialist on the STS 51 F, better known as Spacelab II. On board, he has played a major role in experiments in fields as diverse as astronomy and life sciences.
Not only is he a distinguished academician, an innovative researcher and a successful astronaut, he also takes great pleasure in sharing the beauty of cosmology with the common man. Countless honours and awards stand testimony to his contributions to all sectors of society - from the 1993 NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal to eminent academic honours, Dr Acton has left an indelible mark in Space research and Solar physics.
Pragyan presents the once-in-a lifetime opportunity to interact in person with the man who has literally been there and done that, Dr Loren Acton.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loren_Acton
