WASHINGTON — NASA and the American Geophysical Union are inviting social media followers to a unique behind-the-scenes NASA Social on Tuesday, Dec. 4, in San Francisco. The event will bring 20 social media users together with some of the world’s best and brightest scientific minds at the world’s largest Earth and solar system science conference.

NASA Socials are in-person meetings with people who engage with the agency through Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and other social networks. Participants will get special access to parts of the AGU meeting and meet with NASA and other scientists presenting research on Earth’s climate, deep ocean exploration and the latest findings from Mars. Additionally, guests will sit in on a press conference, attend a panel on deep ocean exploration with film-maker James Cameron and a NASA astrobiologist, explore the expansive exhibit hall, and meet fellow science enthusiasts who are active on social media.

Registration is open from noon EST Wednesday, Nov. 14, to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16. NASA and the AGU will select 20 participants at random from Web registrants. Additional applicants will be placed on a waiting list. Because of space limitations, those selected will not be permitted to bring a guest. Each participant must be age 18 or older. For more NASA Social and sign up information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/social

To join and track the conversation online during the NASA Socials, follow the hashtags #NASASocial and #AGU12.

The AGU Fall Meeting attracts as many as 20,000 attendees and offers a platform for scientists to present their most cutting-edge work. For more information on the meeting, visit: http://fallmeeting.agu.org/2012