Education

Transit of Venus Viewing Options for Tuesday

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From 4 to sunset, Tuesday June 5, Los Alamos will be treated to a rare “transit of Venus” when the planet comes so precisely between the sun and the earth that its image can be seen crossing the solar disk.

Venus is small enough that a telescope (equipped with a special filter to reduce brightness) will be needed. 

PEEC has such a telescope and will be showing the transit to anyone interested.

A transit of Venus happens only four times every 243 years. However,, the spacing between each occurrence is very uneven.

The last transit occurred in June 2004 – and after this June’s Read More

Algorithms and Complexity for Quantum Computing

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SANTA FE INSTITUTE News
 
 
Joe Traub, Edwin Howard Armstrong Professor of Computer Science, Columbia University; External Professor, Santa Fe Institute will present “Algorithms and Complexity for Quantum Computing” on Wednesday, June 6th at 12:15 p.m in the Medium Conference Room.
 
Abstract:  Are quantum computers more powerful than classical computers? To answer this question one must know the classical computational complexity.  What is it about the problems of quantum chemistry and quantum physics that enables us to get lower bounds on
Read More

Fox and Mountain Lion Coming to PEEC!

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PAJARITO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER News

On Tuesday, June 5th, PEEC’s Summer Family Evenings program will kick off with a Taxidermy Museum with animals from Yukon Wildlife Studio.  Visitors are welcome to drop in any time between 6:30 and 8:30.  The event is free for PEEC members, and just $5 per family for non-members at the door.

Yukon Wildlife Studio was given the body of the mountain lion that killed a local dog on Christmas Eve on North Mesa last year.  This animal has been mounted, and will be displayed at PEEC, along with a full-size bear, a beaver, a raccoon, a fox, and Read More

Alexander M. Kirkland Receives National Honor

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THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARS News:

A New Mexico Military Institute student is recognized for superior academic achievement by the National Society of High School Scholars.

The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) announced that New Mexico Military Institute student Alexander M. Kirkland from Los Alamos has been selected for membership.

The Society recognizes top scholars and invites only those students who have achieved academic excellence.

The announcement was made by NSHSS Founder and Chairman Claes Nobel, a senior member of the family that established Read More

Quantum Computers Will Be Able to Simulate Particle Collisions

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NIST News:

Stephen Jordan. Courtesy/NIST

Quantum computers are still years away, but a trio of theorists has already figured out at least one talent they may have.

According to the theorists, including one from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), physicists might one day use quantum computers to study the inner workings of the universe in ways that are far beyond the reach of even the most powerful conventional supercomputers.

Quantum computers require technology that may not be perfected for decades, but they hold great promise for solving complex problems.

The switches Read More

Los Alamos Man in Afghanistan Calls for Support

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Photo by Dr. Mohammad Khan Kharoti

Editor’s note: Local veterinarian Bob Fuselier, is in Afghanistan representing the Afghan Sister Villages education project. The project includes Los Alamos High School students communicating by computer with students in an Afghan school. Fuselier is seeking support to build a school in a second village. Fuselier’s colleague, Dr. Mohammad Khan Kharoti says, “Education is the key to fight terrorism, the darkness of ignorance, to build bridges, to go forward hand in hand … without education it is difficult to build bridges, Read More

Book Signing Tonight: Scott Ortman and “Winds from the North”

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Mesa Verde rockshelter dwelling site. Photo by istockphoto.com

SFI News:

Despite a century of research, no consensus exists on how, or if, the abandonment of Mesa Verde and the formation of the Rio Grande Pueblos are related.

In “Winds from the North: Tewa Origins and Historical Anthropology” (University of Utah Press, February 2012), SFI Omidyar Fellow Scott Ortman proposes a compelling solution to this problem through and investigation of the genetic, linguistic, and cultural heritage of the Tewa Pueblo people of New Mexico.

Ortman will give a brief overview of “Winds Read More

Libraries Offer Hands On Clinics for Downloadable Books

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MESA PUBLIC LIBRARAY News:
 
The libraries are doing hands on clinics to help patrons learn how to use the fabulous new service for downloadable audio books and eBooks.
 
The following dates and times are for Mesa Public Library and White Rock patrons are encouraged to call the WR Branch to schedule a convenient time.
 
Patrons should bring their own devices on which they plan to use the service with them for the most effective session.
 
Los Alamos County Libraries’ upcoming Overdrive clinics for May and June:
 
  • Tuesday May 29, 4-6 p.m.
  • Thursday May 31, 4-6 p.m.
  • Saturday
Read More

Senior Appreciation Night Ends with French Toast & Prizes

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The Kiwanis crew made eggs, sausage and french toast for Saturday’s graduating seniors to cap off Senior Appreciation Night early this morning. Photo by Karen Kendall

Senior Appreciation Night ended this morning with students heading to the Betty Ehart Senior Center for breakfast prepared by the Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos.

County Recreation personnel drew names of seniors who attended all events of the evening.

The prizes won by those seniors included $500 cash, a lap top, Kindle Fire, TV/DVD player, docking audio system, Wii, $200 Best Buy gift card, $300 REI gift card, $200 REI gift Read More

Senior Appreciation Night Packed with Fun

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Alicia Bowyer and Kurt Schramm duke it out in the bouncy ring during Senior Appreciation Night at the Family YMCA on Iris Street. Photo by Salvador Zapien

Students who graduated from los Alamos High School Saturday morning were invited along with their friends to celebrate begining at 6 p.m., the 30th year of Senior Appreciation Night (SAN.)

The event began with a BBQ at Fuller Lodge and ended Sunday morning with breakfast at the Senior Center.

The Los Alamos Recreation Division and the Family YMCA co-chair the annual celebration.

Chris Calhoun tackles the rock wall at the Family Y during Senior Read More