MOFFETT FIELD, Calif. — NASA’s Ames Research Center will host a “Return to the Moon Family Night” Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007, where visitors can hear scientists speak about NASA’s lunar exploration goals, view the moon through telescopes and participate in many other activities.
NASA will send robotic spacecraft to the moon to prepare for humankind’s return to Earth’s nearest neighbor. The Ames-led Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, also known as LCROSS, is scheduled to launch in fall 2008. Three months later, the mission will send a spent rocket stage to hit near the moon’s south pole while the satellite studies the impact plume for evidence of water and other materials that astronauts could use at a future lunar outpost. LCROSS will ride to space alongside NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, which will map the surface of the moon in unprecedented detail.
WHAT: Opportunity to hear LCROSS mission scientists discuss their efforts to determine if there is water near the moon’s south pole. Amateur astronomy organizations will make 25 to 50 telescopes available for lunar viewing, weather permitting. Robotic rover demonstrations will take place near the Exploration Center. Visitors also can see moon rocks, animated videos and activities for children. Admission is free, and all activities are open to the public.
WHEN: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. PST, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007
o 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. PST: LCROSS mission experts and scientists will speak at Bldg. 943, the Eagle Room; and the Ames Conference Center in Bldg. 3.
o 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. PST: Lunar observation with telescopes, parade ground
WHO: Speakers include:
o S. Pete Worden, director, NASA Ames Research Center
o Anthony Colaprete, LCROSS principal Investigator
o Jennifer Heldmann, LCROSS observation campaign lead
o Stuart Moses, space science and exploration systems director, Northrop Grumman, Redondo Beach, Calif., LCROSS spacecraft prime contractor
WHERE:
o NASA’s Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Exploration Center, near the main gate.
o Moffett Field and NASA Research Park, just beyond Ames’ main gate.
Family night talks will be at these locations and occur at these times:
Building 943 Eagle Room, across from the Ames Exploration Center
o Speaker: S. Pete Worden, Ames director, 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. PST
o Speaker: Jennifer Heldmann, LCROSS mission, 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. PST
Ames Conference Center, Bldg. 3 in NASA Research Park
o Speaker: Anthony Colaprete, LCROSS mission, 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. PST
o Speaker: Stuart Moses, Northrop Grumman, 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. PST
o Parade ground, NASA Research Park, observation area for telescopes, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. PST
Driving Directions: To reach Ames, take U.S. Highway 101 to the Moffett Field, NASA Parkway exit and drive east on Moffett Boulevard towards the main gate. The Exploration Center is located to the right in the large white dome outside the main gate. Guards at the main gate will direct reporters to NASA Research Park, directly behind the gate.
For more information about the LCROSS mission to the moon, please visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/missions/2007/lcross.html
For more information about the family night, please visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/events/2007/lcrossfamilynight1.html
