Perspectives on Distance — Chuck Allen

“Perspectives” examines the relative and possible distances achievable by space flight and through amateur and professional telescopic observation. Examining scales from the human altitude record to the four cosmological horizons. The program discusses astrophysicists’ current thinking on the biggest questions about the universe: How far can we see and how big might it be? But we’ll end with some thoughts on why you shouldn’t feel small.

The Astronomical League is composed of over two hundred and forty local amateur astronomical societies from all across the United States. These organizations, along with our Members-at-Large, Patrons, and Supporting members form one of the largest amateur astronomical organizations in the world. The Amateur Observers’ Society of New York is a member of The Astronomical League. Our members are adjunct members of The Astronomical League, and participate in many of its events and observing programs.

Chuck Allen is Vice-President of the Astronomical League and served as League President from 1998 to 2002. He founded the National Young Astronomer Award in 1991, received the G. R. Wright Award for service in 1998, holds the League’s Master Outreach Award with over 500 public programs logged, and is a Master Observer-gold. Chuck also coordinates three League Observing Programs and recently co-chaired ALCon ’21 Virtual.

He is a past president of the Louisville Astronomical Society and presently serves as Program Director for the Evansville Astronomical Society. From 1995 to 2002, he served as Lead Judge in earth and space science for the Intel (now Regeneron) International Science and Engineering Fair.

Chuck graduated from Duke University in 1970, served as a U.S. Air Force officer (1970-74), and graduated from law school at the University of Kentucky in 1977. An amateur astronomer since age 7, he has been giving public programs since age 11.