NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., will hold an
open house on Sat. and Sun., May 15 and 16, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
taking visitors on a virtual ride through the solar system with this
year’s theme, "The Spirit of Exploration."
This fun-filled, family event has a little of everything for space
enthusiasts and non-space buffs. You can explore the planets as you
walk through a model of the solar system, build your own spacecraft,
and have your picture taken in infrared light. Visitors will have the
opportunity to meet with scientists and engineers, who will staff
booths to answer questions about current and future missions.
Structured around the themes of technology, Earth, Mars, our solar
system and the universe, visitors will see and learn more about how
missions come together. Watch student-built robots compete and see
your friends fly in space. Learn about the devices scientists use to
explore our planet, from the ground below to the outer reaches of
Earth’s atmosphere. Or follow the water to Mars through a tour of the
laboratory designed for test-driving robotic vehicles destined for
Mars. Kids will get the chance to be rolled over by a rover. Learn how
we communicate with the spacecraft currently exploring the solar
system. See the world’s lightest solid. Watch "Ring World," a
multimedia presentation on the Cassini mission to Saturn, shown in
planetariums around the globe.
Admission is free. 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. JPL is located at 4800
Oak Grove Drive in Pasadena, off the 210 (Foothill) Freeway at the
Berkshire Avenue/Oak Grove Drive exit. Parking is available near the
Oak Grove main gate and on the eastern boundary of JPL, accessible
from Windsor Avenue via the Arroyo Boulevard exit off the 210 Freeway.
Air-conditioned buses will run non-stop between all lots and JPL’s
main gate. Buses and tour guides will move people between different
locations around the facility. Walking is required to some locations.
More information is available at
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/pso/oh.html
or call (818) 354-0112. Directions are available at
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/about_JPL/directions.cfm
The California Institute of Technology, also in Pasadena, manages JPL
for NASA.
