Lecture Series Cancelled Due to Sequestration

About the Lecture Series

The USGS Science in Action public lecture series in Reston, VA is a monthly event. These evening events are free to the public and intended for a general audience to familiarize them with science issues that are meaningful to our daily lives. In addition, many of our public lectures can be followed live via our @USGSLive Twitter account.

The USGS speakers are selected for their ability and enthusiasm to share their expertise with an audience that may be unfamiliar with the topic.

The USGS lecture series provides the public an opportunity to interact with scientists and ask questions about recent developments in biology, geography, geology, water resources, climate change, energy and more.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a better understanding of the importance and value of USGS Science in Action.

Lecture Schedule

Inclement Weather: If Fairfax County Schools and activities are cancelled, the USGS Evening Lecture in Reston will be cancelled.

All lectures are held the first Wednesday of every month. For additional information please contact the USGS Visitor Center in Reston Virginia at 703-648-4748.

Lectures are held at the USGS in the Dallas Peck Auditorium, on the first floor of the USGS Building in Reston, Virginia. See below for directions to the USGS.

USGS Cancels March Public Lecture in Reston

CANCELED (click above link to read the News Release)

Wednesday March 6, 2013, 7:00 PM
Title: Space Weather and Magnetic Storms
By: Dr. Jeffrey Love

Magnetic storms result from the dynamic interaction of the Earth with the Sun and solar wind. First recognized in the 19th century while scientists were making simple compass measurements, magnetic storms are especially relevant to modern society.Large storms represent a potential hazard for the activities and infrastructure of our modern, technologically-based society. They can cause the loss of radio communication, reduce the accuracy of GPS systems, damage satellite electronics and affect satellite operations, and induce voltage surges in electric-power grids, causing blackouts. This lecture will summarize the colorful history of our understanding of magnetic storms, and it will highlight the USGS role in monitoring space weather with a network of ground-based observatories.