David A. Aguilar

Award-Winning Astronomer, Author, Space Artist, Speaker

David A. Aguilar is a naturalist, astronomer, author and space artist. His expertise lies in presenting the fascinating connections between the universe and ourselves.

He is the award-winning author and illustrator of seven National Geographic books including "ALIEN WORLDS";  "13 PLANETS";  and "SPACE ENCYCLOPEDIA". His next book, "COSMIC CATASTROPHES" will be published by Random House in June 2016. 

The Great American Total Solar Eclipse in Texas Hill Country
Apr
5
to Apr 9

The Great American Total Solar Eclipse in Texas Hill Country

View a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 at one of the premier viewing locations in the country: the Hill Country of central Texas. Harvard Alumni Travels has found an exclusive viewing site to maximize your enjoyment, comfort, and convenience. In the path of totality, observe the eclipse as the bright disk of the Sun becomes entirely hidden behind the Moon, the sky becomes dark, and the Sun's corona flashes into view. The duration of totality for this eclipse will be around four minutes. During this time it is safe to look directly at the sun (protective glasses will be provided for safely viewing before and after totality). Bright stars and planets shine forth, and the air temperature drops noticeably. This is one of the most beautiful astronomical events, worth seeing at least once in a lifetime. 

Leading up to the eclipse, explore the Texas Hill Country area. First, gather in Austin and visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas, home to more than 900 species of native plants. Journey on the scenic Hill Country when bluebonnets will be in full bloom. Arrive in time for cocktails and a dinner reception at Tapatio Springs located on 220 acres in the Hill Country. Visit an authentic ranch for a private rodeo demonstration and tour the highlights of San Antonio, including a VIP tour of the Alamo (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and a chartered cruise along the San Antonio River and its famous Riverwalk.

The next total solar eclipse will not cross the United States until 2044, so make the most of your time in totality by securing your space on this unique tour to witness a spectacular total solar eclipse in the scenic Texas Hill Country with fellow Harvard alumni and friends.  To register: https://alumni.harvard.edu/travel/trips/texas-solar-eclipse-2024

View Event →

"Silent Universe: Where is Everybody?"
Oct
16
10:00 AM10:00

"Silent Universe: Where is Everybody?"

3 MONDAYS October 16, 23 & 30th. Click here for more info.

To date, astronomers have identified more than 4,000 planets like Earth orbiting near-by stars. Within our Milky Way galaxy, there may be more than 200 million planet earths circling distant stars. Beyond the Milky Way, there are hundreds of billions of other galaxies harboring trillions of worlds like earth. So the BIG question is: where is everybody? By now we should have detected some signs of life out there, but the universe remains silent raising the next quandary for scientists using instruments like the James Webb Space Telescope: are we alone in all of this? “Silent Universe” presents seven in-depth scenarios why intelligent life in the universe could be rare and why our species may be more threatened than we ever imagined.

Salve Regina's Circle of Scholars program is a lifelong learning institute affiliated with the Elderhostel network. The Circle's mission is the fostering of joy and satisfaction in lifelong learning. Founded in 1994, the program offers seminars to members on a wide variety of subjects, including literature, history, science, health, music, art, public affairs, religion, theater and film.

View Event →
Astronomy in Arizona
Oct
22
to Oct 27

Astronomy in Arizona

“Astronomy in Arizona” - TOUR #2 - OCTOBER 2022

Join us on a spectacular intergalactic journey and study astronomy amid the ultra-clear skies of southern Arizona. View the night sky through powerful telescopes, learn about the science behind the telescopes, attend fascinating lectures, and enjoy special entry at Smithsonian's Whipple Observatory.

ADDITIONAL TOUR DATES: Oct. 22 - Oct. 27, 2022

View Event →
Solar Eclipse Voyage to Antarctica aboard Silver Cloud
Nov
30
to Dec 11

Solar Eclipse Voyage to Antarctica aboard Silver Cloud

Once in a lifetime does not even begin to describe this unique Antarctic adventure. Go from blindly white to opaque black, and experience total darkness on the 4th December 2021. Silver Cloud will navigate the path to the point of the greatest eclipse, so take advantage of being in the right place at the time on a journey that propels an already extraordinary destination into the realms of the exceptional. For more details go to:

https://www.silversea.com/destinations/antarctica-cruise/ushuaia-to-ushuaia-e4211130011.html

View Event →
"What is a Planet?" Adirondack Public Observatory
Nov
4
5:00 PM17:00

"What is a Planet?" Adirondack Public Observatory

Thursday, November 04, 2021 - 7:00pm to 8:00pm ET - 5:00pm - 6:00pm MT

View Full Image

Being an astronomer, author, planetarium director, lecturer and past media director at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, I am still asked the question, "Is Pluto a Planet"? As a member of the New Horizons Pluto Mission Team and Ultima Thule fly-by team at Johns Hopkins, I can unequivocally say YES, Pluto and our other dwarf planets are planets. Find out why it is time for the IAU to return to this topic and modify and clarify what the definition of what a planet really is...

Thursday, November 4th, 2021 at 7:00 pm via Zoom

REGISTER HERE for this Zoom talk. You will receive an email containing a link to the presentation that is unique to you and should not be shared with others.

View Event →
"Signs from a Silent Universe" Adirondack Sky Center
Apr
1
5:00 PM17:00

"Signs from a Silent Universe" Adirondack Sky Center

Astronomers expect the universe to be teeming with extraterrestrial life. But the BIG question is whether there is intelligent technology-based life out there. And if so, why haven’t we detected them?  In the words of Enrico Fermi. “Where is everybody?”… The ideas presented may surprise, disappoint or hopefully enlighten you.

Thursday, April 1st 7:00 to 8:00 PM ET - 5:00 to 6:00 PM MT

Register now JOIN US via Zoom. Register to receive an email containing a link to the presentation that is unique to you and should not be shared with others.

https://www.adirondackskycenter.org/events/Signs-Silent-Universe-David-Aguilar

View Event →
HAA Travel Talk: "A Tale of Two Poles" at 4:00PM ET/2:00PM MT
Jan
14
4:00 PM16:00

HAA Travel Talk: "A Tale of Two Poles" at 4:00PM ET/2:00PM MT

Join us on Thursday, January 14th at 4PM ET for Harvard Alumni Assoc. Travel Talk by David A. Aguilar, “A Tale of Two Poles”

From the top to the bottom of the world, the poles present a landscape alien to most life on Earth. Host to unique ecosystems where the sun never rises during winter and never sets during summer, and night skies ripple with sinuous glowing bands of auroral light, human polar exploration has a rich past of both triumph and tragedy.

More importantly,  the poles not only host life found nowhere else on the planet, they are also the best indicators of accelerating global climate change that is rapidly occurring on our home planet.  Together we will explore these implications and more in "A Tale of Two Poles". Click here to register for this exciting “Zoom” talk!

View Event →
"A BRUSH WITH THE FUTURE" now on Amazon Prime
Jan
1
to Sep 1

"A BRUSH WITH THE FUTURE" now on Amazon Prime

David is an onscreen commentator for this fascinating look at the life of Chesley Bonestell, whom David knew and visited at his Carmel, CA art studio. This is an amazing story of a nearly forgotten artist who painted the future of space exploration. The film follows the life of this world-class artist, architect and Hollywood motion picture matte painter. Known as “The Father of Space Art,” Bonestell’s futuristic paintings helped inspire America’s Space Program. Click here for Prime listing.

View Event →
KPR Conversations: David Aguilar, "Space Encyclopedia"
Dec
29
to Feb 1

KPR Conversations: David Aguilar, "Space Encyclopedia"

Conversations: David Aguilar, "Space Encyclopedia: A Tour of Our Solar System and Beyond" | Kansas Public Radio

On this edition of Conversations, David Aguilar talks with host Dan Skinner about “Space Encyclopedia: A Tour of Our Solar System and Beyond.” Aguilar is an internationally recognized astronomer, and the author and space artist of twelve award-winning books about space. He is also the former Director of Science Information for the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

View Event →
CHESLEY BONESTELL now showing on ISS
Mar
22
to May 1

CHESLEY BONESTELL now showing on ISS

The year 2020 is a major milestone for the International Space Station. This coming November, the station will celebrate 20 years of continuous operation with a human crew aboard. 2020 also marks a very historic moment in the legacy of Chesley Bonestell (1888-1986).

Known as “The Father of Space Art,” Chesley used outer space, planets, moons, and galaxies as the subject matter for countless numbers of his paintings.  He once said, “Space, to me, is the infinite cosmos— the ultimate mystery.”  Born in the days before automobiles and airplanes, Chesley lived to witness great accomplishments in space exploration, just like his artwork predicted. He never got the chance to explore space himself, but just recently, something remarkable happened. On March 12, 2020, NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston confirmed that the documentary film of his life, Chesley Bonestell: A Brush With The Future, had been transmitted to the International Space Station (ISS) for the “Expedition 62” crew to watch and enjoy. Click here for screening dates

View Event →
An Evening with David A. Aguilar
Feb
27
7:00 PM19:00

An Evening with David A. Aguilar

Join us for a ​free​ ​evening lecture​​ BeyondtheMoon”​​ for all ages followed by a ​book signing​ of “LUNA: The Science and Stories of Our Moon” ​(2019, National Geographic Society) which marks the historic 50th anniversary of man’s landing on the moon. Boca Raton, FL

Contact art@aspenskies.com for full event details.

View Event →
Egypt & the Nile: A Journey into Antiquity - *SOLDOUT*
Dec
26
to Jan 6

Egypt & the Nile: A Journey into Antiquity - *SOLDOUT*

Enjoy exceptional access to the timeless treasures of Egypt during a 10-night exploration that combines travel by private plane and riverboat. Discover the treasures of Giza and Cairo, including the Great Pyramids and the new Grand Egyptian Museum. Fly to Luxor to board the intimate Sanctuary Sun Boat III for a four-night cruise of the Nile. Fly to Abu Simbel to see the temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. Then have the option to continue the journey with an optional extension in Jordan for visits to Petra and Jerash. For more, visit: https://alumni.harvard.edu/travel/trips/egypt-nile-2019

View Event →
Carbondale, CO Library Lit Fest
Nov
21
6:00 PM18:00

Carbondale, CO Library Lit Fest

Local Lit Fest - Carbondale Public Library 320 Sopris Ave, Carbondale, CO

Mingle with friends and meet local authors over holiday cookies and treats. This will be a wonderful opportunity for writers and readers to connect. It can even double as a great time to get holiday shopping done! Book sales will be featured on-site with authors available for signing. 

View Event →
Apollopalooza!
Jul
17
to Jul 24

Apollopalooza!

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in Denver, Colorado will be home to incredible activities, exhibits, seminars and more all dedicated to celebrating the first Apollo moon landing and showcasing the latest in space exploration and technology. David Aguilar will deliver a Keynote, “LUNA” Book Talk, participate on “Brush with the Future” Film Panel, and lead Teacher Workshops.

On Sat, July 20th Apollopalooza hosts a giant 1969-themed party - immerse yourself in the year man first landed on the moon by coming in 1969-themed costumes, and stay for the grand finale of a viewing of the moon landing 50 years later… to the minute! (8:56pm MST)

View Event →
"LUNA" U.S. RADIO INTERVIEWS
Jul
15
to Aug 16

"LUNA" U.S. RADIO INTERVIEWS

LISTEN NOW TO “LUNA” & 50TH APOLLO ANNIVERSARY PODCAST INTERVIEWS:

KZIM/KSIM PADUCAH, KY http://www.kzimksim.com

WGEM-FM QUINCY, IL

WOSU-FM NPR COLUMBUS, OH https://radio.wosu.org/post/50th-anniversary-moon-landing#stream/0

WJCT-FM JACKSONVILLE, FL

WATD-FM BOSTON, MA

WIZM-AM MADISON, WI

WAAV-AM WILMINGTON, NC

WYSM-FM TOLEDO, OH

WVVV-FM PARKERSBURG, WV

WDUN-AM ATLANTA, GA

WOCM-FM COASTAL MD

KMAS-AM SEATTLE, WA

WKNY-AM NEW YORK

WLZR-AM ORLANDO, FL

KFNN-AM PHOENIX, AZ

WMT-AM CEDAR RAPIDS, IA

KPNW-AM EUGENE, OR

WRA-AM ALTOONA

KOGO-AM SAN DIEGO, CA

View Event →
Exploring Australia & New Zealand
Jan
23
to Feb 13

Exploring Australia & New Zealand

Come join this tour-de-force of Australia and New Zealand on a 22-day journey. From Cairns, Australia to the Great Barrier Reef, where you can swim, snorkel, or view the reef from a semi-submersible vessel. We'll visit Aboriginal territory to learn about the ancient culture of the Walpiri, then watch the sun set over fabled Ayers Rock. We'll fly to New Zealand and explore Mount Cook National Park over a two-night stay and stargazing before continuing to the fjords of Milford Sound. The tour concludes in Auckland.  https://alumni.harvard.edu/travel/trips/australia-new-zealand-2019

View Event →
Astronomy in Arizona 2018
May
14
to May 18

Astronomy in Arizona 2018

Take a spectacular intergalactic journey as you view the ultra-clear Arizona sky with hands-on telescope viewing and take behind-the-scenes tours of world-renowned centers for astronomy research with Smithsonian astronomy expert David Aguilar.

View Event →
Baja California & the Sea of Cortez
Mar
10
to Mar 17

Baja California & the Sea of Cortez

Come join us on this exciting sailing adventure on the Sea of Cortez! We'll see California gray whales in their natural habitat.  We'll snorkel among sea lions; hike amid barrel cacti and sculpted sand dunes, and kayak and paddleboard in protected coves. Naturalist David Aguilar and other experts will guide our expedition, and at the end of the day, relax at a beach barbecue and bask in the splendid solitude of Baja.  This voyage is presented by Harvard Museums of Science & Culture, and open to all! Follow this link for registration information, or use our CONTACT page to ask us any questions about this fantastic journey! https://hmsc.harvard.edu/travel-baja-california-and-sea-cortez-among-great-whales

View Event →
Earth & Sky: Astronomy in Chile
Oct
15
to Oct 26

Earth & Sky: Astronomy in Chile

Experience Chile's spectacular night skies, world-class observatories, its vineyards, ancient cultures, and its richly diverse and legendary landscapes. Expert study leader David Aguilar will lead an adventure that begins in Santiago and Valparaiso before winding its way to the giant telescopes of high mountain peaks in the Elqui Valley region, and culminating in the remote and fantastically beautiful Atacama Desert.  Covering 40,000 square miles of northern Chile, the Atacama includes coastal plains, high volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and state-of-the-art observatories including Paranal Observatory, gained through special access. Presented by the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture. Find the full itinerary at: https://hmsc.harvard.edu/earth-sky-astronomy-chile

View Event →
Astronomy in Arizona
May
22
to May 26

Astronomy in Arizona

Few places on Earth offer better opportunities to study astronomy than the ultra-clear skies of southern Arizona. Join us on a spectacular intergalactic journey and discover for yourself an infinite array of celestial phenomena during hands-on telescope viewing, in-depth lectures, and tours of some of the world’s great centers for astronomical research.

View Event →
EXPEDITION TO ANTARCTICA
Jan
21
to Feb 3

EXPEDITION TO ANTARCTICA

Journey on this spectacular 14-day journey featuring a nine-night cruise to Antarctica, Earth’s last frontier. Experience the White Continent in its unspoiled state—fantastically shaped icebergs, turquoise glaciers, bustling penguin rookeries and breaching whales. Accompanied by the ship’s expert team of naturalists, board sturdy Zodiac craft for excursions ashore and observe Antarctica’s abundant wildlife. Also, spend two nights in vibrant Buenos Aires.

View Event →
ASTRONOMY IN ARIZONA
Oct
30
to Nov 3

ASTRONOMY IN ARIZONA

Join us on a spectacular intergalactic journey and discover for yourself an infinite array of celestial phenomena during hands-on telescope viewing, in-depth lectures, and tours of some of the world’s great centers for intergalactic research.

View Event →

Copyright © 2024 Aspen Skies. All rights reserved.
Materials on this website may be copied for classroom or library use but may not be reprinted or resold without permission from the author.