What we’re about
Our Cosmos is a science advocacy group whose purpose is to promote community engagement and interest in all aspects of the Cosmos and to foster intellectual curiosity. Activities include exploring the fields of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM), environmental science and medicine. Although originally oriented more toward the hard sciences, we now have expanded our focus to include science-related social issues such as public health, conservation, and the environment. Our Cosmos strives to bring attention to information, people, and organizations that will advance knowledge, benefit society and improve the way we live. It was inspired by the world renowned late astronomer and science popularizer, Dr. Carl Sagan.
The primary focus is through an edutainment (education and entertainment) platform; e.g. stage venues, lectures, hands-on exhibits, and tours of geological/archaeological/astronomical/other sites.
Most in-person activities are centered in the Orange County/Los Angeles greater metropolitan areas. This Meetup was designed to create a real, face-to-face community. Friends and family are always invited except for certain events due to space limitation. Our Platform involves meeting real people and doing real things in the real world.
Since the start of the pandemic in 2020 we have been presenting a wide array of webinars, talks, and other online events from all over the world. There is a rich and diverse range of offerings online and we will continue to present these to you.
Having said that, the focus of the group remains in-person events.
We encourage our members to contact us with ideas for events!
One Last Thing!
The goal is for each event to be interesting and memorable for everyone. Some events require reserving places for those who have RSVP'd or meeting at a specific place so that we all go as a group. If you are signed up and do not show up, you are a No-Show. If this is a habit, you may be blocked from signing up for some events or even removed from the group. Generally we only allow two or three No-Shows before doing this. We ask that you please be responsible and communicative so the rest of the group does not end up waiting for you when you aren't coming. No-Shows include last-minute cancellations for events with waiting lists.
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Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Online: Understanding Somatic Symptom Disorder [Free Webinar]Link visible for attendees
Online webinar by Mindspring Mental Health Alliance
https://www.mindspringhealth.org/Date: Wednesday, October 30 · 8 - 9am PDT
Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/understanding-somatic-symptom-disorder-free-webinar-tickets-1024273087377Note: If you register you will receive a link to the video the day after the webinar.
About this event:
Somatic symptom disorder is diagnosed when a person becomes extremely focused on physical symptoms like pain, fatigue, weakness, or trouble breathing – often without a clear medical cause. This intense focus on physical symptoms can cause major distress and may interfere with a person’s ability to function normally. Explore the mind/body connection and how psychological factors can contribute to real physical symptoms in this one-hour seminar sponsored by Polk County, Iowa.
A limited number of webinar tickets are available on Eventbrite, and additional tickets are available at https://www.mindspringhealth.org/get-involved/webinars-and-events
Fine print: Certificates of attendance are provided at no cost. CEUs are not provided. Everyone who registers will receive the webinar recording & resource info 24 hours after the live event. Sponsored by United Way of Central Iowa.
Meet the instructor: Jaymi Dormaier is a Licensed Master Social Worker with 10+ years of experience in the mental health field. In Jaymi's career as a social worker and therapist, she has worked with diverse populations focusing on anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, foster care, adoption, homelessness, and addiction. She is passionate about helping others live a life they love.
- HYBRID: OCA - From Vision to Reality: The Journey of Kosovo’s First Observatory336 N Center St, Orange, CA
Orange County Astronomers Monthly General Meeting
Hybrid event by Orange County Astronomers https://ocastronomers.org/Date: FridayNovember 8 @ 7:30 pm PST
Venue: Irvine Lecture Hall of the Chapman University
336 N Center St, Orange, CA 92866Join Zoom - https://www.ocastronomers.org/gmreg
This meeting’s speaker will present online from San Jose, CA.
From Vision to Reality: The Journey of Kosovo’s First Observatory
In 2024, we successfully established the first observatory and science center in Kosovo, a landmark achievement in a country with a rich but turbulent history. This project was not just about building an astronomical facility; it symbolized triumph over obstacles that ranged from logistical challenges to securing international support. Through perseverance, partnerships with organizations like Celestron, and the belief in the transformative power of science, we brought the stars closer to the people of Kosovo. This talk will highlight our journey, the hurdles we overcame, and how this observatory is now inspiring future generations of scientists and stargazers alike.
Pranvera Hyseni is a graduate student from the Republic of Kosovo, currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Earth and Planetary Science at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She is the founder of Astronomy Outreach of Kosovo (AOK), which is recognized as the largest astronomy outreach program in Eastern Europe. Additionally, she manages the Kosovo Chapter of the Charlie Bates Solar Astronomy Project.Ms. Hyseni’s interest in astronomy began at an early age of three, during the late 1990s when Kosovo was affected by the Serbian conflict. She was raised in a family of eight on a remote farm, where economic conditions were challenging. Despite these circumstances, the farm’s location provided her with access to clear night skies, igniting her early passion for astronomy.
She single-handedly brought science to her community by establishing the non-profit organization “Astronomy Outreach of Kosovo” in 2015, which has grown into a significant entity with a global network of professional and amateur astronomers supporting her outreach initiatives across Kosovo. Through these extensive outreach activities, AOK has had a substantial impact, reaching and engaging with over 25,000 individuals annually. Her extraordinary commitment has earned her recognition as one of the five most influential women in Kosovo.
Her impact extended beyond AOK through collaborations with the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology of Kosovo, as well as other governmental institutions. Highly regarded for her expertise, she is in high demand as a speaker at universities and international astronomy conferences worldwide. In 2022, she made history by establishing the first International Astronomy and Planetary Sciences Convention in Kosovo, featuring esteemed astronomers and scientists.
Currently based in San Jose, California, Pranvera Hyseni’s research focuses on understanding the formation histories of asteroids, comets, and meteorites through spectroscopy analysis. In 2017, her contributions to the field received recognition from the International Astronomical Union and the Minor Planet Center, resulting in the naming of an asteroid in her name, 45687 Pranverahyseni. The Mars Generation organization honored her with the “24Under24” award for her leadership in STEM education. She received the “Master Outreach Award” from the Astronomical League in 2019 and the “Michael Reynolds Astronomy Award” from the Association of Lunar & Planetary Observers in 2020.Pranvera Hyseni’s research achievements extend to her provisional discovery of a Main Belt asteroid, 2020 SS13, utilizing data provided by Pan-STARRS in collaboration with the International Asteroid Search Collaboration. Her research endeavors received financial support with an amount of $5,000 through the “Casey J. Moore Fund Award” from her department at UC Santa Cruz.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Ms. Hyseni is the founder of Kosovo’s first observatory and planetarium. She envisions this science center as a crucial resource accessible to the public, furthering science and technology education. The facility accommodates a Celestron C14 Edge HD telescope with a CGX-L equatorial mount generously donated by Corey Lee, the CEO of Celestron – making it the largest telescope in the entire Republic of Kosovo.
Pranvera Hyseni’s unwavering dedication to advancing science education, outreach, and astronomical research marks her as a notable figure in the scientific community, leaving an enduring impact on generations to come. As a testament to her profound impact, she proudly serves as an Official Brand Ambassador for Celestron, inspiring countless individuals with the wonders of the universe.
- Understanding Social Anxiety [Free Webinar]Link visible for attendees
Online webinar by Mindspring Mental Health Alliance
https://www.mindspringhealth.org/Date & Time: Tuesday, November 19 · 10 - 11am PST
Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/understanding-social-anxiety-free-webinar-tickets-1034997133287Note: If you register you will receive a link to the video the day after the webinar.
About this event:
It's normal to feel nervous in some social situations, but social anxiety disorder involves more than temporary discomfort when giving a presentation or making small talk. Everyday interactions cause intense feelings of anxiety and fear that disrupt relationships, daily routines, and performance at work and school. Explore the symptoms of social anxiety disorder, learn what the possible causes are, how it is treated, and strategies to manage symptoms and support loved ones who are struggling. Webinar sponsored by United Way of Central Iowa.
Meet the Instructor: Jaymi Dormaier is a Licensed Master Social Worker with 10+ years of experience in the mental health field. In Jaymi's career as a social worker and therapist, she has worked with diverse populations focusing on anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, foster care, adoption, homelessness, and addiction. She is passionate about helping others live a life they love.
A limited number of webinar tickets are available on Eventbrite, and additional tickets are available at https://www.mindspringhealth.org/get-involved/webinars-and-events
Fine print: Certificates of attendance are provided at no cost. CEUs are not provided. Everyone who registers will receive the webinar recording & resource info 24 hours after the live event. Sponsored by United Way of Central Iowa.
Meet the instructor: Jaymi Dormaier is a Licensed Master Social Worker with 10+ years of experience in the mental health field. In Jaymi's career as a social worker and therapist, she has worked with diverse populations focusing on anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, foster care, adoption, homelessness, and addiction. She is passionate about helping others live a life they love.