Science fans and art lovers will enjoy an upcoming free University of Iowa Alumni Association (UIAA) event at the Figge Art Museum in Davenport.

At the Lifelong Learning event, Craig Kletzing, University of Iowa F. Wendell Miller professor of physics and astronomy, will discuss UI contributions to NASA's recently launched Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP). The mission is investigating the dynamic environment of the Earth's Van Allen radiation belts—a landmark discovery by UI professor James Van Allen in 1958. Kletzing will also address how the UI physics and astronomy department continues to expand on Van Allen's research.

Afterwards, guests can enjoy art from the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum traveling exhibition, “NASA | ART: 50 Years of Exploration.” This collection features 72 works of art (paintings, drawings, photographs, and sculptures) that span the entire history of NASA, featuring well-known contributors including Annie Leibovitz, Norman Rockwell, Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, and Jamie Wyeth.

Part of the UIAA’s ongoing Lifelong Learning series, the event takes place at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 19, at the Figge Art Museum, 225 West Second St., Davenport.

This event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served. To register by the Sept. 12 deadline, visit www.iowalum.com/events/figge.

The event is co-sponsored by the UI College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

Learn more about the Figge exhibit at now.uiowa.edu/2012/07/stellar-collaboration and Professor Kletzing’s work at now.uiowa.edu/2012/08/ui-instruments-aboard-twin-nasa-spacecraft-set-launch-aug-24.