Over at the Albert Einstein Planetarium this afternoon there will be a presentation explaining (in very simple terms) how we can take a huge amount of raw data out of any one of our observatories and turn it into an actual understanding of how the Universe works. Converting that data into quantitative science (things we can measure, test, and extrapolate rules from) and pictures or videos that allow us to see those rules in action is the real goal of astronomy. If you would enjoy having a better understanding of this process, stop by the Universe of Data: How we get Science out of Space Telescopes presentation and let Jonathan McDowell, an Astrophysicist from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, give you the introduction. If you do make it, be sure to say hi.
