Category: Conferences

The first question we discussed is when do we stop listening to our probes and satellites in space. This question was part of looking at all the space probes we have sent out or planned to since the 1960s and the current cuts at NASA. The question was also to consider when do we allow AI to monitor the data collection. To illustrate the volume of probes and exploration, we linked to the NASA poster: https://science.nasa.gov/wp-
content/uploads/2024/10/smd-master-fleet-07-29-2024.pdf​

Our last lively discussion question was on how do we prepare for the 25-year maximum solar flare event currently in progress. The fact that the aurora borealis can be seen in many of the lower 48 states – even parts of Arizona – underscores the potential for all electronic communications to fail. Several failure events, however short they were, were discussed and several of the observatory librarians talked about their preparations with isolating backups and other possible solutions. We truly are unprepared for a total electronic system failure.

Jenny Mueller-Alexander
Astronomy Roundtable Moderator

It was great to see everyone at the Mathematics roundtable, especially at a time when we are all navigating big changes, both with the likely merger of the SLA with ASIS&T and with our home institutions navigating the disruption caused by the Trump administration. I was glad to hear from Kivmars at SIAM about how publishers are updating their author guidelines in light of new accessibility legislation in the USA and EU, and I’m sure this will be helpful for us to know as our researchers come up to date with the new guidelines. And it was also helpful to hear discussion about what LaTeX outreach people are doing and planning. I also had lots of fun going to the museums in Pittsburgh with PAM folks, and especially enjoyed the theremin in the Carnegie Library! I am looking forward to seeing you all again at the next conference, whatever form it takes!

Alex Manchester
Mathematics Roundtable Moderator