Track 2
May 16, 2026
Cedar Rapids, IA
DoubleTree by Hilton
Exhibition Hall A
Hands-On Astronomy for All Ages
Track 2 takes place Saturday afternoon, May 16, and is tailored for educators, students,
families, and adults interested in accessible astronomy experiences. Enjoy shorter talks,
interactive demonstrations, hands-on activities, a portable planetarium, telescope displays, and a weather balloon launch. Track 2 is designed to be affordable and welcoming, with NASA Solar System Ambassadors assisting in planning and delivery.
Participants may also join the optional Sunday tours.
Saturday May 16th, 2026
Exhibition Hall A
1:00 PM Introductions and logistics
Video Welcome by Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell
1:15 - 4:00 PM
30-minute Blast Talks
Simultaneously and continuously
NASA Solar System Ambassadors:
Tim Carlson
Mehmet Sefer
Trena Johnson
Dave Falkner
Laura Hammerbeck
Minnesota Astronomical Society:
Noha Reda
University of Iowa Van Allen Observatory Team:
Andi Swirbul and University of Iowa Students
Portable Planetarium
Solar Globe
Hands On Activities
Weather Balloon Launch Video and Tracking
Telescopes and viewing
Sunday 5/17/2026
8:00 AM Collins Aerospace Museum Tour
10:45-11:15 National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library with Astronomical Orloj visit
12:00 PM NRAO VLBA Site Visit
1:00 PM Van Allen Space Physics Lab Tour
Speakers
Meet the Experts
The NASA Solar System Ambassadors program is a public engagement effort that works with motivated volunteers across the nation to communicate the science and excitement of NASA's space exploration missions and discoveries with the people in their communities.
NASA Lucy Asteroid Ambassador
Solar System Ambassador
Mehmet B. Sefer is an engineer specializing in mechatronics, test automation, motion control, and vacuum systems for space-adjacent applications. He leads the full lifecycle of custom systems -- requirements, design, controls, build, verification, and documented handoff -- with an emphasis on reliability and repeatability. His earlier work included managing a NASA-funded investigation of cold-welding and related joining phenomena in ultra-high vacuum environments to inform future in-space construction. He has also contributed to concepts of space-based solar power. Sefer serves as a NASA Lucy Asteroid Ambassador and Solar System Ambassador, engaging students and communities with current missions and discoveries.
Tim Carlson has been a space nerd from an early age. For his science fair project in 4th grade, he built a model of the Apollo 11 Command and Lunar modules and explained how they came together for their trip to the Moon. He loves all things that have to do with space from Apollo to Artemis and everything in between. He enjoys sharing his love of space exploration with everyone and working with his live-in Solar System Ambassador, Laura.
NASA Solar System Ambassador
Solar System Ambassador
Laura Hammerbeck is a huge fan of the night sky. When she discovered a local observatory and met her first Solar System Ambassador, the planets aligned and she simply had to become one herself. An amateur astronomer and space junkie, Laura loves to share space exploration and study, as well as all its intriguing ideas with people of all ages. As a motivational and inspirational speaker with over 20 years of teaching and communication experience, she presents solid information in an enthusiastic yet relaxed manner, with an ounce of humor on the side.
Trena Johnson
Solar System Ambassador
Trena Johnson grew up in Minnesota a fan of the Moon much to her astronomy friends chagrin. It is bright and beautiful and it's glow made a mystery of the night landscape. She wanted to learn more but her interests didn't develop more until later. High school mythology class sparked the inspiration into the constellations. Who doesn't recognize Orion, the Hunter, Hercules, or Perseus from mythology legends? She has learned so much more about the night sky after joining the Minnesota Astronomical Society seven years ago. She borrowed scopes and books from the club. She completed observation lists from the Astronomical League, expanding my knowledge of our Solar System. All this lead her to become the club's secretary for four years and she is now honored to be their president until 2025.
Dave Falkner
Solar System Ambassador
Dave Falkner has been a life-long amateur astronomer. He first became interested in Astronomy as a pre-teen when his father took him to a show at the Holcolm Planetarium in Indianapolis. He became hooked and has had an interest in astronomy ever since. As a teenager he ground a 6” mirror and built his first telescope. As a Naval Officer stationed in Monterey, California he was involved with the Friends of MIRA (Monterey Institute for Research in Astronomy) where he conducted outreach to local schools associated with the return of Halley’s Comet.
After a successful 20-year career Dave retired from the US Navy and settled in Minnesota where he became an active member of the Minnesota Astronomical Society. He has served as its President and enjoys performing astronomical outreach often speaking to groups at libraries, nature centers and schools. He is a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador and has authored two books; “The Mythology of the Night Sky – Greek, Roman and Other Celestial Lore, Second Edition” and “The Stories of Astronomers and Their Stars.”
While I am not a NASA Solar System Ambassador like the other speakers, I am a very curious, science-minded, and creative person. I had the honor of serving on the Eastern Iowa Observatory's Board for four years, including one year as President, before moving to Minnesota. I currently serve as the Treasurer for the Minnesota Astronomical Society and am also active in their outreach programs.
Noha Reda
Past CAA President
