During 2005, the Chicago Society for Space Studies has either sponsored or participated in the following activities.
| Date | Activity | Description |
| 01/16/2005 | Chapter Outing and Meeting, Adler Planetarium, Chicago |
Approximately 12 members attended our outing to the Adler Planetarium. The group took in the 3D computer show in the StarRider Theater. The show, “Star of the Pharoah”, used computer graphics to simulate ancient Egyptian civilization and how they incorporated astronomy in their buildings.
Following the show, the group had lunch in the Galileo Room and discussed future plans for CSSS activities. Thanks are owed to Michelle Nichols of the Adler for her assistance in arranging this event. Thanks Michelle. |
| 02/06/2005 | Chapter Meeting, Omega Restaurant, Niles IL |
A business meeting was held to discuss chapter activities and to plan for future events. Read the Meeting Minutes. Owen Bassett and John Vittallo were elected to the Board of Directors. |
| 02/11/2005 | Public Education, Capricon Science Fiction Convention Arlington Heights |
Jim Plaxco gave a 90 minute presentation on “Solar Power from Space for Earth” detailing the various Space Solar Power options and their benefits to humankind. Approximately 32 people attended the presentation. |
| 02/12/2005 | Public Education, Capricon Science Fiction Convention Arlington Heights |
Jim Plaxco gave a one hour presentation on “The Future of Human Space Exploration” detailing President Bush’s “New Vision for Space Exploration”. Approximately 42 people attended the presentation. |
| 03/11/2005 | Public Education, Skokie Valley Astronomers, Riverwoods, IL |
Jim Plaxco delivered his “Mars as Art” presentation to 18 attending the Skokie Valley Astronomers monthly meeting. |
| 03/16/2005 | Public Education, Motorola, Schaumburg, IL |
John Vittallo gave his “Cassini Mission” presentation to an audience of 30 |
| 03/18/2005 | Public Education, Northwest Surburban Astronomers, Hoffman Estates, IL |
Jim Plaxco gave his “Mars as Art” presentation to around 75 people at a meeting of the Northwest Surburban Astronomers. |
| 04/16/2005 | Public Education, Astronomy Day, Harper College, Palatine, IL |
Jim Plaxco made two presentations as a part of the Astronomy Day activities at Harper College.
About 34 people attended the “Mars as Art” presentation and another 25 attended the “Future of Human Space Exploration” presentation. |
| 04/22/2005 | Public Education, North Suburban Astronomers, Hoffman Estates, IL |
John Vittallo gave his “Cassini Mission” presentation to 50 people at a meeting of the Northwest Surburban Astronomers. |
| 04/29/2005 | Public Education, Campanelli School, Schaumburg, IL |
Jim Plaxco gave a presentation on the “Solar System in 3D” to 95 third-graders and their teachers. |
| 05/1/2005 | Lunar Display Project, Robert Jeske Home, Niles, IL |
Five members attended this lunar base construction meeting. |
| 05/6/2005 | Public Education, ToBe Continued Convention, Schaumburg, IL |
Jim Plaxco made two presentations at this convention. His “Mars as Art” talk was attended by 25 people and his “Future of Human Space Exploration” was attended by 8. |
| 06/5/2005 | Lunar Display Project, Robert Jeske Home, Niles, IL |
Seven members attended this lunar base construction meeting. |
| 06/10/2005 | Public Education, Skokie Valley Astronomers, Riverwoods, IL |
John Vittallo gave his “Cassini Mission” presentation to a group of 50 at the monthly meeting of the Skokie Valley Astronomers. |
| 06/11/2005 | Public Education, Duckon Science Fiction Convention, Naperville, IL |
Jim Plaxco gave his “Mars as Art” talk to an audience of 14. |
| 06/17/2005 | Public Education, Lake County Astronomical Society, Volo, IL |
John Vittallo gave his “Cassini Mission” presentation to an audience of 60 a a meeting of the Lake County Astronomical Society. |
| 06/21/2005 | Public Education, Blue Island Library, Blue Island, IL |
John Vittallo gave a presentation on “Deep Impact” to an audience of 10 |
| 06/22/2005 | Lunar Display Project, Robert Jeske Home, Niles, IL |
Four members attended this lunar base construction meeting. |
| 07/24/2005 | Chicago Area Chapters Meeting, Cernan Space Center, River Grove, IL |
Six officers of CSSS and CSFS attended a planning meeting for the “Magnificent Desolation” sneak preview for Chicago area NSS members. Other potential projects were also discussed. |
| 09/22/2005 | Public Outreach, IMAX Theater Navy Pier, Chicago |
A special showing of the 3D IMAX movie “Walking on the Moon” featuring a speaker from NASA and a reception afterwards. See IMAX Walking on the Moon Event Details for more information. Almost 100 people attended this event. |
| 10/21/2005 | Public Education, Friendship Village Mens Club, Schaumburg, IL |
Jim Plaxco gave his presentation “Behold Mars” to 26 members of the Men’s Club at Friendship Village, a senior citizens facility. |
| 11/4/2005 | Public Education, Antioch Upper Grade School, Antioch, Illinois |
John Vittallo delivered his “Cassini Mission” presentation to 350 students and their teachers. |
| 11/11/2005 | Public Education, Windycon Science Fiction Convention, Rosemont, IL |
Jim Plaxco chaired the panel “From Vulcan to Zena” which discussed the current news in planetary exploration. Co-panelists were astronomer Diana Challis, planet modeler David Angus, and Vatican astronomer Brother Guy Consolmagno.
Jim also was a panelist for the “Cinematic Space Program” discussion, attended by 12 people, and the “By the Light of the Soviet Moon” discussion, attended by 6 people. |
| 11/16/2005 | Lunar Display Project, Robert Jeske Home, Niles, IL |
Three members attended this lunar base construction meeting. |
| 12/11/2005 | Chicago Area Chapters Christmas Party, Schaumburg Library, Schaumburg, IL |
Our annual Christmas Party featured the classic 1950’s Disney space film “Mars and Beyond” that speculated on what a manned mission to Mars might be like and what kind of life we might find on Mars. We also had several door prizes that included CDs and DVDs. Approximately 20 people attended the party. |
| 12/15/2005 | Public Education, Motorola, Schaumburg, IL |
John Vittallo gave his “Cassini Mission” presentation to an audience of 50. |