NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., invites the public to “Explore New Worlds” without leaving Southern California. The laboratory will open its doors during its annual Open House on Saturday and Sunday, May 20 and 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visitors are invited to go behind the scenes to learn about exciting missions to study the solar system, the universe and our home planet. JPL scientists and engineers will be on hand to answer questions about the mysteries revealed by JPL’s space missions.
Guests will have the opportunity to see new robots and learn how they will move and work in space. In JPL’s Spacecraft Assembly Facility, visitors can view the clean room where spacecraft and instruments are built before leaving Earth.
Visitors will see exhibits, presentations, spacecraft models and movies highlighting the Cassini-Huygens mission to Saturn and JPL’s recent comet missions, Stardust and Deep Impact.
JPL Open House will offer a host of educational events to teach kids about science and engineering. Kids will also view the sun with high-powered telescopes and get rolled over by a Mars rover.
Admission is free and reservations are not required. No backpacks or ice chests are allowed, with the exception of small purses and diaper bags. Visitors, vehicles and personal belongings are subject to inspection. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, along with space souvenirs and JPL and NASA merchandise.
JPL is located at 4800 Oak Grove Drive. Exit the 210 (Foothill) Freeway at the Berkshire Avenue/Oak Grove Drive exit in La Canada-Flintridge. Parking is available near the Oak Grove Drive main gate and on the eastern boundary of JPL, accessible from Windsor Avenue via the Arroyo Boulevard exit off the 210 Freeway. Buses and tour guides will move people between different locations around the facility. Walking is required to some locations. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
More information is available at http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/pso/oh.cfm or by calling (818) 354-0112. Directions are available at http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/about_JPL/directions.cfm .
