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. 

December's Planetary Alignment from the Mt. Sopris Observatory

12.21.2020 - Jupiter and Saturn will be so close they will appear to form a "double planet." Such a spectacular great conjunction, as the planetary alignment has come to be known, hasn't occurred in nearly 800 years.

When their orbits align every 20 years, Jupiter and Saturn get extremely close to one another. Jupiter orbits the sun every 12 years, while Saturn's orbit takes 30 years, so every few decades Jupiter laps Saturn, according to NASA.

These images were taken just after sunset on December 21, the winter solstice.

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COMET ATLAS

There is a new comet in the sky called “Atlas”. It was discovered in December and has been slowly brightening in our sky. It will reach the vicinity of the sun around the end of May and may be bright enough to see naked eye at sunset. It is on the same trajectory as the Great Comet of 1843. It is currently located in the constellation Ursa major (Big Bear). Here are several images taken last night (from 2 Aspen observatories). It looks green in color- there’s a lot of cyanogen gas surrounding it. Through my 26" scope, it looked like a misty white balloon. Stay tuned, it could be spectacular.

Visually through 26” ‘scope - Mt. Sopris Observatory

Visually through 26” ‘scope - Mt. Sopris Observatory

Courtesy Bob Harris - Snowmass astrophotographer & general bon vivant!

Courtesy Bob Harris - Snowmass astrophotographer & general bon vivant!

OCC Children's Book Festival - October 2019

Sunny southern CA did not disappoint at this year’s “OCC Children’s Book Festival” featuring 2 STEAM talks by David entitled “Beyond the Moon” about possible future space exploration destinations - and - Creating & Designing Otherworldly Space Art”. David joined other authors at “Mrs. Nelson’s Book Fair” for an afternoon book signing, until we sold out! David joined filmmaker Douglass Stewart for a festival eve showing of “A Brush with the Future” about the incredible life and work of space artist Chesley Bonestell. A stellar weekend!

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MEANWHILE AT THE NEW HORIZONS ULTIMA THULE FLYBY...!

Laurel, MD, Dec. 31, 2018: Astrophysicist Brian May was among the distinguished guests at the spectacular New Year’s Eve bash of NASA’s New Horizons Ultima Thule Flyby. What a way to ring in 2019! Dr. May even debuted a new original song, the aptly named "New Horizons" at midnight to celebrate. "To me, it is the incredible newness of it - May, a New Horizons mission team member, told reporters before the flyby. This is going way beyond where anyone has gone before, literally."

View the “New Horizons” video & song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3Jm5POCAj8

Here New Horizons Media Team Lead David A. Aguilar & Dr. May met to review new data from the flyby.

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STARS ABOVE ASPEN

“Aspen is built a little too close to heaven,” said philosopher Albert Schweitzer on his 1949 visit to the area. Take advantage of this fact during one of summer’s most fascinating, mind-expanding events at the top of Aspen Mountain on the evening of August 13. Stars Above Aspen, a collaboration between Aspen Snowmass and the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES), features an array of interactive presentations, activities, crafts and games for all ages to celebrate and learn about the celestial wonders of the night sky. From an elevation of over 11,000 feet — where, yes, the stars are brighter — you’ll experience the Starlab Portable Planetarium, powerful telescopes, legends of the constellations, a featured talk by a noted astronomer and educator, and more. So, what are some of the mysteries of the universe that will be probed at Stars Above Aspen? Here are just a few.

1. Why do we have seasons, and what does planetary motion have to do with it?
Find out during astronomer David Aguilar’s talk, “Fantastic Night of Planets.” Aguilar, who has an asteroid designated in his honor for his career-long contributions to astronomy and science education, specializes in communicating the sciences to all ages. Among other fascinating planetary tidbits, he will also divulge why four planets are in alignment in August.

2. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A METEOR, COMET, ASTEROID, AND SHOOTING STAR?
If you’ve ever been put on the spot by an inquisitive child, this is your opportunity to find out. Or perhaps, your child can explain it to you.

3. Who was Cassiopeia?
For various cultures around the world, constellations were used as the basis of fantastic myths and rich stories to explain the universe. How many stories of the 88 commonly accepted constellations do you know? Find out a few more to impress your friends the next time you’re sitting around the campfire. The younger set will be able to create their own constellations as part of one of several kids’ crafts and games.

4. Is there life out there beyond our planet?

It’s the quintessential question of mankind. With powerful telescopes and the most brilliant minds in the field, science has made huge strides recently in understanding the conditions that can support life on Mars and how to detect potential life beyond. Hear from scientists who know the latest.
https://www.aspensnowmass.com/inside-aspen-snowmass/stories/6-amazing-things-you-learn-at-stars-above-aspen

Dec. 2020: International Space Station screens "Chesley Bonestell: A Brush With The Future"


David appears onscreen in this comprehensive look at the fascinating work & life of the "father of space art" Chesley Bonestell. David reached out to Chesley in the late 70s and visited Chesley at his art studio in Carmel, CA. He shares several memories of the man and his work, and attributes much of his interest in space art to Chesley. For screening information please visit https://www.chesleybonestell.com This film provides a fascinating look at a true futurist and first space artist, and is not to be missed!!

 

 

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