The primary goal of the AAPG Astrogeology Committee is to emphasize the use of geosciences in the development of off-world exploration energy and other natural resources for development in the foreseeable future. This is under the guidance and input provided by previous NASA geologist astronauts, Dr. Harrison “Jack” Schmitt and Dr. James “Jim” Reilly and by industry professionals. The astrogeology Committee has previously held engaging and memorable sessions in Denver and Calgary and field seminars in Long Beach and Houston. Jack Schmitt and Jim Reilly will be at the eclipse event to discuss the challenges of a manned mission to Mars and a return to the Moon to embark on a new energy frontier with He-3 fusion. Casper College will provide logistical support for the field seminar. Dr. Kent Sundell et al of Casper College will lead the group to visit a series of five small impact craters within the Pennsylvanian Casper Formation, nearby scenic badlands featured in numerous paleontology films, a K/T boundary site, a newly discovered Cretaceous dinosaur quarry, and the famous Salt Creek and Teapot Dome oil fields. There will be an opportunity to discuss the implication of impact events on Earth. Don Clarke and Doug Cook will present astronomy basics and provide opportunities for observing the sun, stars, and planets. They will provide guidance on safely photographing and observing the total solar eclipse.
Who Should Attend?
Geoscientists, engineers, and naturalists interested in learning from a once in a lifetime convergence of the total solar eclipse event, NASA veteran astronaut geologists, and world class paleontology and petroleum geology in beautiful Casper, Wyoming.
Objectives:
We will be in Casper, Wyoming to see the rare total solar eclipse of August 21, 2017, learn basic astronomy through presentations and star gazing, and do field geology at world class paleontology sites and a documented terrestrial impact site. Casper is also home to historic petroleum geology sites such as nearby Teapot Dome. Jack Schmitt and Jim Reilly will be at the eclipse event to discuss the challenges of a manned mission to Mars and a return to the Moon to embark on a new energy frontier with He-3 fusion.
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