I will present a brief overview of who I am, including a brief introduction to my physics research in space science. Surprisingly, the same research that advances our understanding of Earth’s space environment is also a source of artistic imagery. I will focus on presenting a variety of images, representing the Earth from space, viewed through the lens of my plasma physics.

Dr. Russell Stoneback obtained his Ph.d. in Physics at the University of Texas at Dallas by studying a whole new class of musical instruments he invented, photonic musical instruments. Photonic instruments replace the resonance of wood and sound used by traditional acoustic instruments with the resonance of light and electricity. Dr. Stoneback continued on at the university after graduation in the field of space science, working with NASA and other government agencies on satellites and satellite instrumentation. Dr. Stoneback returned to his artistic roots with his recent research solving a fundamental plasma physics problem that the community considered impossible to solve. The artwork that emerged not only reflects Dr. Stoneback’s excellence in physics but his passion for expression. Dr. Stoneback’s award winning artwork was most recently featured in the “Art of Planetary Science” show, hosted by the University of Arizona.

APRIL 2026 SPRING OUT OF TOWN FIELD TRIP
Rio Grande Valley
 Call for Images

Good Morning!! I hope everyone is doing well, having survived the long trip back. I had 3 inches of rain in my gauge when I got home yesterday. Thanks for participating. Please attach 7 or 8 of your favorite images from the trip (re-sized to 1920x1280 px) to an email and send them to me by April 30th for the slideshow. You may include your name/watermark on these photos. If you have pics of group members, send those along separately. Thanks. lpetterborg@gmail.com.  

May 2, 2026 Field Trip
Cinco de Mayo Parade, Grand Prairie, Texas
 When: Saturday, May 2, 2026.  Arrive after 9:00 AM.  Parade starts at 10:00 AM. 
Where: Main Street, Grand Prairie, Texas.  See Map.
Celebration in City Hall Plaza, the end of the parade route, at 12:00 PM

It’s a free event and will take place rain or shine!  There is no designated parking, so this is another reason you might want to arrive around 9, and park close to the parade route.Everybody loves a parade, right?  Kids love them.  Parents love them.  The Rangers, Mavericks, and Stars love parades.  The Cowboys?  Meh….
We will gather along Main Street in Grand Prairie, TX, to witness and photograph the annual Cinco de Mayo Parade and Celebration!  The parade line up begins on High School Drive, goes east to NE 5^th St, then south to Main St, where it will head west.  You will want to find your spot along the parade route and be ready to capture what comes your way!  There will be floats, brightly colored dresses and costumes, music and dancing!  Tripods are OK, but a monopod might be better with no risk of tripping anyone. You can set up for pictures anywhere along the route.

 The parade concludes in City Hall Plaza at 12:00 PM, where there will be booths, food, and live entertainment, as well as more photo opportunities!  While food and drinks are available here, adult type beverages are not.  If you would like lunch and other beverages, we have a 1:30 PM reservation (under the name Robert Shafer) at: Habanero’s, 123 Jefferson St., Grand Prairie, TX.  

 City of Grand Prairie: Cinco de Mayo 2025
Cinco de Mayo Parade and Celebration - City of Grand Prairie