Nuclear Semiotics: Navigating the Science of Nuclear Waste

is the subject of this month’s Estes Valley Astronomical Society (EVAS) meeting.   In conjunction with The Estes Park Memorial Observatory (EPMO), EVAS is offering a free public open house/star night at the observatory on Saturday, October 26th, 2024.  The goal of EVAS is to promote amateur astronomy and education in the Estes Valley.

Nuclear waste poses one of the most profound challenges for humanity—not just in terms of safe storage, but in ensuring future generations understand the dangers long after we’re gone. How do we communicate the risks of radioactive materials that remain hazardous for tens of thousands of years?

In this month’s talk, we’ll dive into the science and history of nuclear waste storage, exploring the innovative and sometimes surreal strategies proposed to warn distant future civilizations about these invisible dangers. From the early days of nuclear energy to modern-day proposals, discover the unique intersection of science, communication, and the distant future in a discussion that is as thought-provoking as it is urgent. Be prepared to create your communication solution!

Whether you’re a science enthusiast, a student, or just curious about the future of our planet, this event promises to leave you with new insights into one of the most intriguing challenges of our time.

John Ensworth is a middle and high school teacher at his kid’s school, Resurrection Christian School, in Loveland. Previously, he was a Principal Investigator of the NASA Science Mission Directorate Independent Education Product Review for 17 years. His position at the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies had him responsible for conducting reviews and helping with NASA education and outreach efforts with products that are scientifically accurate and appropriate for the educational audience they are intended for. In the 90s Mr. Ensworth was a masters student and a PhD candidate in meteorology at the University of Oklahoma. He teaches physics and mathematics at several online universities. He earned undergraduate degrees in physics and astronomy, and geography and meteorology with an emphasis in math and computer science. He is the owner and operator of the Cherrywood Observatory in Longmont, CO.

The EPMO is just north of the high school at 1600 Manford Ave. Park in the teacher’s parking lot between the high school and the observatory. The doors will open at 7:00 pm and the meeting will start at 7:30 pm.  The presentation, including a question-and-answer period, lasts about an hour. After the presentation, weather permitting, we will look through our 16-inch dome telescope at various celestial objects.