Mountain Views News, Pasadena Edition [Sierra Madre] Saturday, October 27, 2018

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Mountain View News Saturday, October 27, 2018 

Bernstein and Copland 
Brings Classical Music to 
the Pasadena Symphony

NASA’s InSight Will Study 

Mars While Standing Still

Reading of Constellations 
by Nick Payne at ANW

 


 After touching down in 
November, NASA’s InSight 
spacecraft will spread its solar 
panels, unfold a robotic arm 
… and stay put. Unlike the 
space agency’s rovers, InSight 
is a lander designed to study 
an entire planet from just one 
spot.

 Here are five things to know 
about how InSight conducts its 
science.

1. InSight Can Measure Quakes 
Anywhere on the Planet

 Quakes on Earth are usually 
detected using networks of 
seismometers. InSight has only 
one – called SEIS (Seismic 
Experiment for Interior 
Structure) – so its science 
team will use some creative 
measurements to analyze 
seismic waves as they occur 
anywhere on the planet.

 SEIS will measure seismic 
waves from marsquakes and 
meteorite strikes as they move 
through Mars helping scientists 
deduce what the planet’s 
interior is made of.

 Seismic waves come in a 
surprising number of flavors. 
Some vibrate across a planet’s 
surface, while others ricochet 
off its center. They also move at 
different speeds. Seismologists 
can use each type as a tool to 
triangulate where and when a 
seismic event has happened.

 This means InSight could have 
landed anywhere on Mars and, 
without moving, gathered the 
same kind of science.

2. InSight’s Seismometer Needs 
Peace and Quiet

 Seismometers are touchy 
by nature. They need to be 
isolated from “noise” in order 
to measure seismic waves 
accurately.

 SEIS is sensitive enough to 
detect vibrations smaller than 
the width of a hydrogen atom. 
It will be the first seismometer 
ever set on the Martian surface, 
where it will be thousands 
of times more accurate than 
seismometers that sat atop the 
Viking landers.

 To take advantage of this 
exquisite sensitivity, engineers 
have given SEIS a shell: a 
wind-and-thermal shield that 
InSight’s arm will place over the 
seismometer. This protective 
dome presses down when wind 
blows over it; a Mylar-and-
chainmail skirt keeps wind 
from blowing in. It also gives 
SEIS a cozy place to hide away 
from Mars’ intense temperature 
swings.

3. InSight Has a Self-
Hammering Nail

 Have you ever tried to hammer 
a nail? Then you know holding 
it steady is key. InSight carries 
a nail that also needs to be held 
steady.

 This unique instrument, 
called HP3 (Heat Flow and 
Physical Properties Package), 
holds a spike attached to a long 
tether. A mechanism inside the 
spike will hammer it up to 16 
feet (5 meters) underground, 
dragging out the tether, which 
is embedded with heat sensors.

 At that depth, it can detect 
heat trapped inside Mars since 
the planet first formed. That 
heat shaped the surface with 
volcanoes, mountain ranges 
and valleys. It may even have 
determined where rivers ran 
early in Mars’ history.

4. InSight Can Land in a Safe 
Spot

 Because InSight needs stillness 
– and because it can collect 
seismic and heat data from 
anywhere on the planet – the 
spacecraft is free to land in the 
safest location possible.

 InSight’s team selected a 
location on Mars’ equator 
called Elysium Planitia – as 
flat and boring a spot as any 
on Mars. That makes landing 
just a bit easier, as there’s less 
to crash into, fewer rocks to 
land on and lots of sunlight to 
power the spacecraft. The fact 
that InSight doesn’t use much 
power and should have plenty 
of sunlight at Mars’ equator 
means it can provide lots of 
data for scientists to study.

5. InSight Can Measure Mars’ 
Wobble

 InSight has two X-band 
antennas on its deck that make 
up a third instrument, called 
RISE (Rotation and Interior 
Structure Experiment). Radio 
signals from RISE will be 
measured over months, maybe 
even years, to study the tiny 
“wobble” in the rotation of the 
planet. That wobble is a sign of 
whether Mars’ core is liquid or 
solid – a trait that could also 
shed light on the planet’s thin 
magnetic field.

 Collecting detailed data on this 
wobble hasn’t happened since 
Mars Pathfinder’s three-month 
mission in 1997 (although the 
Opportunity rover made a few 
measurements in 2011 while it 
remained still, waiting out the 
winter). Every time a stationary 
spacecraft sends radio signals 
from Mars, it can help scientists 
improve their measurements.

 A Noise Within (ANW), 
the acclaimed classical 
repertory theatre, announces 
a staged reading of Nick 
Payne’s Constellations, 
presented by ANW Resident 
Artists as a part of their 
series Words Within and 
directed by Apollo Dukakis, 
on Monday, November 5 at 
7pm. Admission is free to 
the public; seats, however, 
can be reserved by calling 
626-356-3100. 

 Constellations is part of 
Fulcrum Arts AxS Festival 
2018, whose theme is City 
as Wunderkammer (Cabinet 
of Curiosities), taking place 
November 2-11 in Pasadena. 
Information is at www.
axsfestival.org.

 The play addresses the 
idea that one word could 
alter the course of your life. 
Through a dizzying fugue 
of vignettes, audiences 
watch as Marianne (Erika 
Soto) and Roland (Rafael 
Goldstein)’s relationship 
unfolds across time and 
space, with each variation 
sending their relationship on 
an entirely new trajectory. 
Science and romance collide 
in this unusual love story 
that’s delighted audiences in 
New York and London. 

 Starting at 7pm prior to 
the reading, there will be an 
introduction by Professor 
Charles “Chip” T. Sebens 
of Caltech, who studies 
the philosophy of physics, 
focusing on the foundations 
of quantum mechanics 
and classical field theory; 
he will also head a short 
discussion of the reading 
with the Resident Artists 
just afterwards. 

 Constellations, a smart 
and provocative play, 
received rave reviews from 
The New York Times, 
saying, “Who knew that 
higher physics could be 
so sexy, so accessible 
— and so emotionally 
devastating? It may be the 
most sophisticated date 
play Broadway has seen.” 
It had its first production in 
London in 2012, and ran on 
Broadway in early 2015. 

 ANW’s Managing Director 
Michael Bateman said, “A 
Noise Within is delighted to 
contribute to Fulcrum Arts 
AxS Festival. Pasadena is, 
by reputation, a leader as a 
city of both arts and sciences. 
With resources like Caltech 
and JPL on our doorsteps, 
we have an amazing 
opportunity to bring the 
disciplines together and we 
feel honored that Pasadena 
artists and scientists have 
found this project to be a 
worthy venture. Presenting 
Constellations as part of 
the AxS Festival reaffirms 
our commitment as a 
contributor to Pasadena’s 
rich cultural landscape – we 
feel lucky to be a part of it. 
We also advise the public to 
reserve tickets quickly, as 
our readings often sell out.”

 Charles “Chip” T. Sebens 
uses tools from metaphysics 
and epistemology to assess 
competing proposals 
about what physical laws 
govern the quantum 
realm (such as Bohmian 
mechanics, Everettian 
quantum mechanics, and 
GRW theory). He also 
works towards improving 
our understanding of 
classical field theories, 
including our theories of 
the electromagnetic, Dirac, 
and gravitational fields. 
He is currently an assistant 
professor of philosophy 
at the California Institute 
of Technology (Caltech). 
As a student, he studied 
physics and philosophy 
at the Massachusetts 
Institute of Technology, the 
University of Oxford, and 
the University of Michigan. 
Before coming to Caltech, he 
was an assistant professor at 
the University of California, 
San Diego.

 Based in Pasadena, 
California, Fulcrum Arts 
empowers artists to invent, 
inspire, and provoke. The 
501(c)(3) provides resources 
and opportunities for artists, 
collectives, and independent 
arts organizations to advance 
their visions and contribute 
to a vibrant, challenging, 
and inclusive creative 
community. The nonprofit 
advances the fields of art and 
science to impact culture 
on a national level through 
exhibitions, partnerships, 
interdisciplinary symposia 
and convenings, and 
residencies.

 Fulcrum Arts is the new 
incarnation of Pasadena 
Arts Council (PAC), an 
art service organization 
originally formed in 1964 
to provide resources, 
communication services 
and other support to artists, 
cultural organizations, 
audiences and visitors 
throughout the Pasadena 
area. As the first umbrella 
arts organization chartered 
in California, Pasadena Arts 
Council received its non-
profit status in 1968.

 Music Director David 
Lockington and the Pasadena 
Symphony continue the 18-19 
Classics season with Bernstein 
and Copland on Saturday, 
November 17 at Ambassador 
Auditorium with performances 
at 2pm and 8pm. On the heels 
of Bernstein’s centennial, the 
performance will celebrate 
American masters, with 
a program that bridges 
popular and classical music 
through the tradition of great 
storytelling. Hear everything 
from Bernstein masterpieces 
chronicling mid-century New 
York City with West Side Story 
and his one and only film score, 
On the Waterfront, to his good 
friend Aaron Copland’s Billy 
the Kid Suite encapsulating 
the vast open spaces of the 
American West. Adolphus 
Hailstork’s more contemporary 
An American Port of Call 
opens the program with blue 
notes and jazz riffs echoing 
Bernstein’s earlier work, and 
Samuel Barber’s brilliantly 
romantic Violin Concerto 
rounds out the all-American 
program.

 Joining the orchestra for this 
exclusive performance, Sphinx 
laureate Melissa White will take 
center stage for Barber’s lyrical 
and virtuosic Violin Concerto. 
Well-known for bridging 
jazz and classical, White is 
a founding member of New 
York-based Harlem Quartet, 
where since 2006 her passion 
and artistry have contributed 
to performances that have 
been hailed for their “panache” 
(The New York Times) and 
for “bringing a new attitude to 
classical music.” (Cincinnati 
Enquirer). To learn more about 
Melissa or the music being 
performed, come early for 
Insights – a free pre-concert 
dialogue with Music Director 
David Lockington and Melissa 
White that begins one hour 
prior to each concert.

 The Pasadena Symphony 
provides a socially vibrant 
experience specially designed 
for the music lover, the social 
butterfly or a date night out, 
and the inner epicurean in us 
all. Patrons can plan to arrive 
early for Insights, a pre-concert 
discussion with Music Director 
David Lockington that begins 
one hour prior to curtain. 
The luxurious Symphony 
Lounge provides yet another 
addition to the delightful and 
elegant concert experience the 
Pasadena Symphony offers. A 
posh setting at Ambassador 
Auditorium’s beautiful outdoor 
plaza, audiences enjoy uniquely 
prepared menus for both lunch 
and dinner at each concert 
from Claud &Co, fine wines 
by Michero Family Wines, plus 
music before the concert and 
during intermission.

 All concerts are held at 
Ambassador Auditorium, 131 
South St. John Ave, Pasadena, 
CA with both matinee and 
evening performances at 
2pm and 8pm. Single tickets 
start at $35 and may be 
purchased online at www.
pasadenasymphony-pops.org 
or by calling (626) 793-7172. A 
limited number of tickets will 
be available at the box office on 
the day of the concert.


Charles “Chip” T. Sebens

Free Monthly Events at 
Pasadena Senior Center

 There is something for 
everyone in September at the 
Pasadena Senior Center, 85 
E. Holly St. You do not have 
to be a member to attend. 
Some events require advance 
reservations as noted. 

 Pasadena Financial 
Planning Day for All Ages – 
today, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
This seminar will include 
workshops with topics related 
to avoiding the avalanche 
of student debt, changes to 
the 2018 federal tax code, 
how to invest your 401K 
and how to avoid the three 
biggest retirement planning 
mistakes. In addition to the 
workshops, you can discuss 
your financial questions 
one-on-one with a certified 
financial planner. People 
of all ages are welcome. 
Presented by the Financial 
Planning Association San 
Gabriel Valley.

 Halloween Treats at the 
Coffee Bar – Wednesday, 
Oct. 31, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. 
Don your finest Halloween 
apparel and come to the 
Pasadena Senior Center 
coffee bar for free coffee, hot 
apple cider, festive candy 
and other treats. DJ Joe will 
entertain in the lounge area 
with an eclectic mix of tunes. 

 A Matter of Balance – 
Tuesdays, to Nov. 20, from 1 
to 3 p.m. Are you concerned 
about falling? Learn how 
to reduce the fear of falling 
and increase balance, 
activity levels, confidence 
and independence during 
this eight-week, interactive 
workshop that combines 
discussion, video and 
exercise. Reservations are 
required: 626-685-6732. 

 Hearing Loss Update 
– Thursday, Nov. 1, at 
10 a.m. Learn about new 
technologies and hearing-
related products that can 
help you in your day-to-
day life, and how you can 
optimize your hearing as 
you age. Presented by HEAR 
Center.

 Braille Class – Thursday, 
Nov. 1, from noon to 2 
p.m. One in five older adults 
experiences vision loss. The 
Braille class meets every 
Thursday and combines 
educational programming 
and speakers with a support 
group for older adults with 
low vision. Allan Markowitz 
will discuss the history and 
types of wines at the Nov. 1 
class. 

 Friday Movie Matinees 
– Fridays, Nov. 2, 9 and 
16, at 1 p.m. Everyone 
enjoys watching movies 
and the pleasures they 
bring. Nov. 2: RBG (2018, 
PG). The documentary film 
examines the personal and 
professional journey of U.S. 
Supreme Court Justice Ruth 
Bader Ginsburg, who at the 
age of 84 has developed a 
legal legacy while becoming 
a pop culture icon. Nov. 9: 
Mamma Mia! Here We Go 
Again (2018, PG-13) starring 
Amanda Seyfried and Meryl 
Streep. Five years after the 
events of 2008’s Mamma 
Mia!, Sophie prepares for 
the grand reopening of the 
Hotel Bella Donna on a 
Greek island as she learns 
more about her mother’s 
life. Nov. 16: On Golden 
Pond (1981, PG-13) starring 
Henry Fonda and Katharine 
Hepburn. On summer 
vacation at their cabin on 
a lake in New England, a 
cranky retired professor 
with memory problems and 
his understanding wife agree 
to look after the 13-year-old 
son of their daughter’s (Jane 
Fonda) fiancé. 

 Flu Shot Clinic – 
Wednesday, Nov. 7, 
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
According to the Centers 
for Disease Control and 
Prevention, adults 65 and 
older are at greater risk 
of serious complications 
from the flu compared with 
younger adults because 
human immune defenses 
become weaker with 
age. Appointments are 
recommended by calling 
626-795-4331; walk-ins will 
also be welcome.

 Founded in 1960, the 
Pasadena Senior Center 
is an independent, donor-
supported nonprofit 
organization that offers 
recreational, educational, 
wellness and social services 
to people ages 50 and older.


Pet of the 
Week

 

 Daniel (A464854) is a 
handsome black and white 
boy who is about 5 years 
old. He likes to sit high on 
his tower in the cat room to 
watch over everyone with 
his bright green eyes. Daniel 
likes to keep his social circle 
pretty small so it takes a few 
minutes for him to warm 
up to you. If you give him 
a chance, in his own time, 
he’ll slowly come over to you 
and head butt you on the 
forehead to say hello. Visit 
Daniel today in one of our 
cat communal rooms. 

 The adoption fee for cats 
is $75. All cats are spayed 
or neutered, microchipped, 
and vaccinated before being 
adopted. 

 New adopters will receive a 
complimentary health-and-
wellness exam from VCA 
Animal Hospitals, as well 
as a goody bag filled with 
information about how to 
care for your pet.

 View photos of adoptable 
pets at pasadenahumane.
org. Adoption hours are 11 
a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. 
to 5 p.m. Tuesday through 
Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
Saturday.

 Pets may not be available 
for adoption and cannot be 
held for potential adopters 
by phone calls or email.

Metro Board Approves 
Motion to Fund Soundwalls

 The Los Angeles 
County Metropolitan 
Transportation Authority 
(Metro) Board of Directors 
on Thursday unanimously 
approved a motion by 
Supervisor Kathryn Barger 
and co-authored by Director 
Ara Najarian, to allocate 
$3.29 million to provide a 
segment of soundwalls in La 
Cañada Flintridge. 

 In May, the California 
Transportation Commission 
awarded La Cañada 
Flintridge $5 million 
for construction of 
the soundwalls, which 
was matched by a local 
commitment from the city. 
The action today by the 
Metro board will help to 
fully fund the project for 
both pre-construction and 
construction activities.

 “These soundwalls have 
long been a priority for the 
city and its residents, and I 
want to thank our partners 
on the La Cañada Flintridge 
City Council, and also 
recognize Senator Anthony 
Portantino for his leadership 
on this issue in Sacramento,” 
said Barger. “The city made 
a substantial commitment to 
this project, investing $3.71 
million of its subregional 
share to ensure the project 
gets constructed.”

 A report back on a plan 
to address the backlog 
of soundwall projects 
countywide was also 
included in the motion.


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com