NASA Earth and Space Science Education E-Newsletter
October 2009
This monthly broadcast includes upcoming educational programs, events, opportunities and the latest resources from NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.
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UPCOMING PROGRAMS & EVENTS
NEW IN THIS ISSUE
(1) Four New NASA Science E/PO Forums Begin Oct. 1
(2) International Space University’s 14th Annual Symposium (Abstracts due Oct. 2)
(3) Solar Week Fall 2009 (Oct. 5-9)
(4) Observe the LCROSS Impacts! (Oct. 9)
(5) Educational Resources and Activities Promote Understanding of Climate Before, During and After Earth Science Week (Oct. 11-17)
(6) Public Lecture on the Last Mission to Hubble (Oct. 13, Washington, DC)
(7) Sun Educator Conference (Oct. 17, Pasadena, Calif.; Pre-registration required by Oct. 5)
(8) ISS EarthKAM Fall 2009 Mission (Oct. 20-23)
(9) Regional NSTA Conferences: NASA Educator Workshops
(10) Hands-On Universe/NASA WISE High School Teacher Workshops (Oct.-Nov)
(11) GLOBE Volunteer Teachers and Students Test Climate Curriculum (Oct.-Nov)
(12) International Year of Astronomy Finale (November)
*PREVIOUSLY BROADCAST
(13) Celebrate World Space Week (Oct. 4-10)
(14) Free Public Event Featuring Astronomy of the Maya (Oct. 10, San Rafael, Calif.)
(15) Public Library Tour: Visions of the Universe (Through March 2010)
(16) Solar System Ambassadors Summer Events (All Ages)
(17) A Day at Goddard: Opportunity for DC Metro Teachers (Grades 8-12)
(18) Solar Dynamics Observatory Ambassador in the Classroom
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EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
(19) Cosmic Times: Posters, Lessons and Teacher Guides for Grades 7-12
(20) New NASA Space Math Resources
(21) Explore! Ice Worlds! Web site - Hands on Activities and Resources
(22) New Sun-Earth Day Web Site
(23) Earth Observatory Feature Articles
- Science for a Hungry World
- Perspectives: Why EOS Matters, 10 Years Later
- Catalog of Earth Science Orbits
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SCIENCE NEWS
(24) Cosmic Rays Hit Space Age High
(25) Water Molecules Found on the Moon
(26) Meteorite Impacts Expose Ice on Mars
(27) Cassini Reveals New Ring Quirks, Shadows During Saturn Equinox
(28) Students Track LCROSS
(29) NASA Lunar Satellite Begins Detailed Mapping of Moon’s South Pole
(30) New NASA Telescope to Search for Dark Asteroids
(31) NASA Satellites Help Measure Water from the Sky
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UPCOMING PROGRAMS & EVENTS
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NEW IN THIS ISSUE
(1) FOUR NEW NASA SCIENCE E/PO FORUMS BEGIN OCT. 1
NASA is working with four newly-formed Science Education and Public Outreach Forums (SEPOFs) to increase the overall coherence of the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) Education and Public Outreach (E/PO) program. SEPOFs support the astrophysics, heliophysics, planetary and Earth science divisions of NASA SMD in three core areas:
- E/PO Community Engagement and Development
- E/PO Product and Project Activity Analysis
- Science Education and Public Outreach Forum
Coordination Committee Service
SEPOFs are collaborating with NASA and external science and education and outreach communities in E/PO on multiple levels ranging from the mission and non-mission E/PO project activity managers, project activity partners, and scientists and researchers, to front line agents such as naturalists/ interpreters, teachers, and higher education faculty, to high level agents such as leadership at state education offices, local schools, higher education institutions, and professional societies.
The overall goal for the SEPOFs is increased awareness, knowledge, and understanding of scientists, researchers, engineers, technologists, educators, product developers, and dissemination agents of best practices, existing NASA resources, and community expertise applicable to E/PO. By coordinating and supporting the NASA E/PO Community, the NASA/ SEPOF partnerships will lead to more effective, sustainable, and efficient utilization of NASA science discoveries and learning experiences.
(2) INTERNATIONAL SPACE UNIVERSITY’S 14th ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM: ‘THE PUBLIC FACE OF SPACEʻ
Abstracts Due Oct. 2, 2009
During each academic year, the International Space University (ISU) organizes a three-day symposium as an interdisciplinary, international forum to help both the users and the providers of space-related systems to move forward from the discussion of problems to the formulation of innovative solutions. ISU’s next symposium, the 14th in this series of annual events, will address space promotion, education and outreach in a very broad way. The symposium program will include considerations of public awareness and expectations, as well as workforce development and capacity building, all with the goal of producing recommendations for ways forward towards a sustainable space program. The program will include invited contributions from leading experts in the field, as well as presentations and posters selected in response to the attached Call for Papers. Information about the symposium, including the Call for Papers, will be kept up-to-date on the ISU website, under “Programs: Symposium,” at: http://www.isunet.edu.
(3) SOLAR WEEK FALL 2009 (Oct. 5-9)
Solar Week is a lively week of online activities and curriculum for upper elementary, middle and high school students about the Sun, including games and lesson plans for the whole week. Students learn about solar eclipses, sunspots, solar flares and solar storms through a series of activities, games, and lessons. In addition, there’s a message board where classrooms can submit a question to leading solar scientists.
Solar Week is ideal for students studying the solar system, the stars, or astronomy in general. It's also for kids wondering what it's like being a scientist, and pondering possible career choices. Participation makes for a fun computer lab activity as well. After doing the activities, students can interact on the bulletin board with leading scientists at the forefront of Sun-Earth research. It’s a great place for any student interested in our nearest star, the Sun! For more information, visit: http://www.solarweek.org/cms/
Note: Teachers, please read the FAQs before your class submits a question to the bulletin board. There you will find information and answers on “How to Ask a Good Question,” “How Come My Question Didn't Get Answered?”, “Why Does It Take a While For a Scientist to Answer My Question?” and other useful tips.
http://www.solarweek.org/CS/p/873/1458.aspx#1458
(4) OBSERVE THE LCROSS IMPACTS! (OCT. 9)
Cabeus A will be the target crater on the lunar South Pole for the LCROSS dual impacts scheduled for 7:30 a.m. EDT on Oct. 9, 2009. Mission scientists estimate that the Centaur impact plume may be visible through amateur-class telescopes with apertures as small as 10 to 12 inches. The LCROSS mission will actively solicit images of the impact from the public. These images will provide a valuable addition to the archive of data chronicling the impact and its aftermath. Prior to launch, amateurs are working with the science team in imaging potential impact target areas in order to refine telescope-pointing strategies for the impact. To participate in the LCROSS Amateur Observation Campaign, visit the LCROSS_Observation group at: http://groups.google.com/group/lcross_observation?pli=1. For the most current mission information, go to: http://lcross.arc.nasa.gov/observation.htm.
(5) EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES AND ACTIVITIES PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING OF CLIMATE BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER EARTH SCIENCE WEEK (Oct. 11-17)
The theme of this year’s Earth Science Week -- "Understanding Climate" -- aims to promote scientific understanding of a timely and vital topic: Earth’s climate. A number of NASA resources and activities will be available to educators and students before, during and after this special week, which takes place Oct. 11-17:
- Tides of Change: a five-part video series on the connection between ocean and climate will be posted during Earth Science Week at climate.nasa.gov.
- NASA's Digital Learning Network (http://dln.nasa.gov) will host an Oct. 14 webcast with NASA oceanographers Marcianna Delaney and Gene Feldman on ocean science discoveries and careers.
- NASA has contributed to several items included in an Earth Science Week educator kit. To order a kit, visit http://www.earthsciweek.org
- climate.nasa.gov will be a one-stop shop for NASA Earth Science Week education resources related to understanding climate.
Earth Science Week is conducted annually by the American Geological Institute in cooperation with various sponsors, including NASA.
(6) PUBLIC LECTURE ON THE LAST HUBBLE MISSION (OCT. 13)
Dave Leckrone, astrophysicist with the NASA Hubble Space Program will speak on the final mission to Hubble. Free and open to the public. Mary Pickford Theater, James Madison Building, Library of Congress, Washington, DC. http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/events/events.html
(7) SUN EDUCATOR CONFERENCE (OCT. 17)
Pasadena, Calif.; Pre-registration required by Oct. 5
Join NASA’s Jet Propulson Laboratory Education Office for an education conference that will celebrate the most prominent and vital feature in solar system, the sun. During this day-long conference, experts from the Voyager, Ulysses, Genesis, STEREO and Earth-exploring missions will be on hand to discuss the structure and content of the sun; current study of its composition; solar cycles; the importance of the sun to Earth; and the inner and outer heliosphere. The presenters will discuss and demonstrate activities that can be used in the classroom to promote a greater appreciation of the inspirational aspects of space exploration.
This conference is open to all formal and informal educators interested in Earth and space science and exploration. Students in high school and college can also attend. Pre-registration is required. Participants must register by Oct. 5, 2009. Walk-up registration will not be possible for this conference. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/jpl/education/sunconf-20090921.html.
(8) ISS EARTHKAM FALL 2009 MISSION
Middle school educators are invited to join NASA for the International Space Station EarthKAM Fall 2009 Mission on Oct. 20-23, 2009. This exciting opportunity that allows students to take pictures of Earth from a digital camera on board the International Space Station.
ISS EarthKAM is a NASA-sponsored project that provides stunning, high-quality photographs of Earth taken from the space shuttle and International Space Station. Since 1996, ISS EarthKAM students have taken thousands of photographs of Earth by using the World Wide Web to direct a digital camera on select spaceflights and, currently, on the International Space Station.
For more information about the project and to register for the upcoming mission, visit the ISS EarthKAM Home Page: www.EarthKAM.ucsd.edu. If you have questions about the EarthKAM project, please e-mail ek-help.
(9) NSTA REGIONAL CONFERENCES: NASA EDUATOR WORKSHOPS
If you’re attending one of this fall’s NSTA regional conferences, be sure to check out the many NASA education sessions, including:
Oct. 29-31 – Minneapolis
http://www.nsta.org/conferences/2009min/?lid=tnav
NASA's High-Energy Vision—Chandra and the X-ray Universe (Oct. 29)
NASA eClips for Secondary Students (Oct. 29)
NASA eClips for Elementary Students (Oct. 29)
Scale the Universe (Oct. 30)
Measuring the Monster in the Middle (Oct. 30)
NASA's GLOBE Program: Regional Networking Session (Oct. 30)
NASA Brings You Hands-On Newton's Laws of Motion (Oct. 30)
Analyzing Black Holes and Supernovae Through International X-ray Eyes (Oct. 30)
Round and Round We Go—Exploring Orbits in the Solar System (Oct. 31)
Nov. 12-14 – Ft. Lauderdale
http://www.nsta.org/conferences/2009ftl/?lid=tnav
NASA's High-Energy Vision—Chandra and the X-ray Universe (Nov. 12)
Bringing the Amazing High-Energy Universe into Focus (Nov. 12)
NASA’s GLOBE Program: A U.S. Regional GLOBE Networking Session (Nov. 12)
SC-F MESSENGER and Technology Integration with Classroom Instruction That Works (Nov. 13)
Free Telescope Access from NASA and the Fermi Space Telescope (Nov. 13)
Cosmic Times: Astronomy History and Science for the Classroom (Nov. 13)
Keeping Things in Motion: Using Newton’s Laws to Understand the Universe (Nov. 13)
How Do We Know? Using the Electromagnetic Spectrum to Explore the Universe (Nov. 13)
Accessible Technology to Bring Climate and Climate Change to Your Students (Nov. 13)
Dec. 3-5 – Phoenix
http://www.nsta.org/conferences/2009pho/?lid=tnav
What is Your Cosmic Connection to the Elements? (Dec. 3)
Exploring Our Universe on a Beam of Light (Dec. 3)
Climate Change: Global Connections and Sustainable Solutions (Dec. 3)
Cosmic Times: Astronomy History and Science for the Classroom (Dec. 3)
National Earth Science Teachers Association Earth Science Share-a-thon (Dec. 3)
Black Holes and Supernova: The Hidden Universe (Dec. 3)
NASA’s GLOBE Program: U.S. Regional GLOBE Networking Session (Dec. 4)
NASA’s Planet Hunting Mission (Dec. 4)
Infrared Astronomy with NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, SOFIA (Dec. 4)
NASA’s Mysteries of the Universe: Dark Matter (Dec. 5)
Free Telescope Access from NASA and the Fermi Space Telescope (Dec. 5)
(10) HANDS-ON UNIVERSE/NASA WISE HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER WORKSHOPS
Join a team of teachers taking advantage of the opportunity to incorporate the NASA WISE mission (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) asteroid studies in Physics, Astronomy, and/or Earth Science courses.
The UC Berkeley Lawrence Hall of Science (LHS) Hands-On Universe HOU project, Global Systems Science (GSS) and the WISE mission are joining forces to organize teacher workshops in the the Fall of 2009. There will be a 1-day workshop to introduce new curriculum materials that can be easily integrated into existing science courses and provide reinforcement of certain key science education standards (physics, astronomy, and inquiry-based learning). Participating teachers will be field test teachers for these new curriculum materials. The 1-day workshop will be followed by periodic teleconferences to assist teachers in implementing materials introduced in the workshops. In this way, participating teachers form a Professional Learning Community to share effective teaching strategies. For participation, you get a stipend of $50 for the 1-day workshop and another $50 for implementation and classroom field test feedback.
For a list of workshop topics, schedules and locations, visit http://wise.ssl.berkeley.edu/education_workshop.html
(11) GLOBE VOLUNTEER TEACHERS AND STUDENTS TEST CLIMATE CURRICULUM
The GLOBE Great Global Investigation of Temperature (GGIT), taking place October-November 2009, is the first in a series of new climate research investigations being developed by GLOBE for the Student Climate Research Campaign. This exciting new set of learning experiences introduces students to core climate science concepts and scientific thinking. Students will work with NASA scientists and share the findings of their research via social collaboration tools. They will present results at the Group on Earth Observations Plenary in Washington D.C. in November. For more information about the GLOBE program, visit http://www.globe.gov/.
(12) INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF ASTRONOMY FINALE
Science centers, museums, planetaria, and libraries all over the country will be celebrating the culmination of the International Year of Astronomy in November by unveiling spectacular images from NASA’s Great Observatories — Hubble, Spitzer, and Chandra. Visit http://hubblesource.stsci.edu/events/iyafinale/ to locate participating institutions.
*PREVIOUSLY BROADCAST
(13) CELEBRATE WORLD SPACE WEEK (Oct. 4-10) - This international event, declared by the United Nations, commemorates the beginning of the Space Age with the launch of Sputnik 1 on Oct. 4, 1957. As part of World Space Week, on Oct. 8 the Koshland Science Museum in Washington, DC, will present “From the Big Bang to the James Webb Telescope: An Evening with John C. Mather.” Mather is Senior Astrophysicist in the Observational Cosmology Laboratory at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. For details, go to: http://www.koshland-science-museum.org/events/upcomingevent.jsp?id=362
To learn more about World Space Week, visit http://www.worldspaceweek.org/index.html.
(14) FREE PUBLIC EVENT FEATURING ASTRONOMY OF THE MAYA (Oct. 10; San Rafael, Ca.) - On Saturday, Oct. 10th from 2:30–11:00 pm, the Center for Science Education will help host a public event that features Maya culture and science. Teachers in Professional Development workshops will help staff activity tables with informal physical science and Heliophysics activities. The event is free and open to the public, and includes Maya astronomy, dance demonstrations, Maya art, talks by experts and solar and nighttime telescopes. For more information, visit: http://cse.ssl.berkeley.edu/cms/Programs/HispanicMayanOutreach/tabid/166/Default.aspx. If you have any questions or have materials you would like to include, email Laura Peticolas.
(15) PUBLIC LIBRARY TOUR: VISIONS OF THE UNIVERSE - Through March 2010, 40 public libraries are hosting “Visions of the Universe: Four Centuries of Discovery,” a traveling exhibition to mark the 2009 International Year of Astronomy. For more information: http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/visions/ or http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/ppo/programming/visions/visionsuniverse.cfm.
(16) SOLAR SYSTEM AMBASSADORS SUMMER EVENTS FOR ALL AGES. This summer is just starting to heat up with presentations by NASA Solar System Ambassadors at local venues - libraries, schools, state parks, museums and more - across the U.S. Themes include "Mars: Missions and Mysteries," “Galaxies, Nebulas, and Stars in the Universe,” “Astronomy at the Beach 2009” and more. For information on upcoming events, go to: http://www2.jpl.nasa.gov/ambassador/events.html
(17) A DAY AT GODDARD: OPPORTUNITY FOR DC METRO TEACHERS (Grades 8-12) - Teachers in the DC Metro area are invited to bring their students to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for a day spent learning what it is like to work for NASA. Field trips include a meet-and-greet at the visitor’s center featuring a scientist and engineer, a demonstration of the Science on a Sphere program, a tour of the satellite testing facility and an inquiry based science lab activity. Programs are highly customizable, teacher-friendly and designed for grades 8-12. Contact Aleya Van Doren with your desired date and class information to reserve your spot, E-mail Aleya Vandoren. Slots fill up quickly so register today!
(18) SOLAR DYNAMICS OBSERVATORY AMBASSADOR IN THE CLASSROOM
Let NASA take over your classroom for the day! Teachers in the DC Metro area and southern Pennsylvania are eligible for a visit from an SDO educator or scientist. Your students will learn about solar clocks, Earth’s place in the solar system, electricity and magnetism, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the Doppler effect. Visits are free, include all supplies for the activity, and can be customized for each teacher. Register at: http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/epo/educators/ambassador.php
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EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
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(19) COSMIC TIMES: POSTERS, LESSONS AND TEACHER GUIDES FOR GRADES 7-12
Over the past century, our view of the universe has changed from static to expanding to accelerating. Modern-day cosmologists have identified turning points in this science story to be the confirmation of Einstein’s theory of gravity, Hubble’s evidence for an expanding universe, the detection of the microwave background, and finally the discovery of dark energy. NASA’s Cosmic Times traces these advancements to teach the nature of science using literature.
Cosmic Times is a suite of curriculum support materials and classroom activities for grades 7-12. Cosmic Times includes six posters, each resembling the front page of a newspaper from a particular time over the past century with articles describing the discoveries. Each poster is accompanied by inquiry-based lessons, which teach the science concepts behind the discoveries, the process of science, and skills for science literacy. In addition, lessons include cross-curricular activities which explore the times and social circumstances of the discoveries.
The Cosmic Times posters, lessons and teacher guide are available for electronic download from the Cosmic Times website. In addition, printed copies of the Cosmic Times posters are also now available by request from the web site. See http://cosmictimes.gsfc.nasa.gov/.
(20) NEW NASA SPACE MATH RESOURCES
Space Math @ NASA posted math problems 234-271, which cover the mathematics behind a number of NASA discoveries and space missions such as Deep Impact, HST, LRO, STEREO, provide examples of applications to a variety of mathematical topics from pre-algebra through calculus. A new book, 'Magnetic Math' featuring 30 mathematics problems and six lab exercises exploring magnetism is also available at the Space Math @ NASA 'book' page. In development for this school year: a new book featuring global climate change and Earth science problems, “Green Math.” For more information, visit: http://spacemath.gsfc.nasa.gov/
(21) EXPLORE! ICE WORLDS! WEB SITE - HANDS ON ACTIVITIES AND RESOURCES
Discover our most precious resource — water — in its frozen form through our new Explore! Ice Worlds! suite of hands-on activities. The three themes investigate All About Ice, Ice in the Solar System, and — just in time for Earth Science Week (Oct. 11-17) — Ice on Earth. Find these explorations as well as presentations, recommended books, and Internet resources at http://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/explore/ice/.
The Lunar and Planetary Institute’s Explore! program is designed to engage children in space and planetary science in the library and informal learning environments, but is easily adapted to the classroom or other setting. The activities are easy to do, use readily available materials, and are aligned with national science standards. The Explore! program provides materials on a variety of topics, including lunar exploration, health in space, and Mars geology, all available free for educational use at http://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/explore/.
(22) NEW SUN-EARTH DAY WEB SITE
The new Sun-Earth Day Web site launches soon, with a new theme: Magnetic Storms! This year, take a journey into the heart of the electromagnetic force, and demonstrate how magnetism is responsible for the violent explosions ˆ Magnetic Storms ˆ which can affect our communication, homeland security and astronaut safety. Until then, you can keep up with news events by joining the Facebook and Twitter groups to chat, share and learn.
Sun-Earth Day Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SunEarthDay
Sun-Earth Day Twitter: http://twitter.com/sunearthday
(23) EARTH OBSERVATORY FEATURE ARTICLES
Science for a Hungry World
NASA satellite remote sensing data provide the world with essential information that enables government organizations to feed the hungry, policymakers to make informed decisions, and aid organizations to provide relief.
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/NasaNews/Agriculture2009/?src=features-recent
Perspectives: Why EOS Matters, 10 Years Later
Nearly a decade ago, ecologist Steve Running described how NASA’s Earth Observing System missions were going to help us answer this crucial question: Is the current human occupancy and activity of planet Earth sustainable? In 2009, he revisited the question, making the case that Earth-observing satellites are more important than ever as humanity begins to deal with a changing climate.
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/WhyItMatters09/?src=features-recent
Catalog of Earth Satellite Orbits
Different orbits give satellites different vantage points for viewing Earth. This fact sheet describes the common Earth satellite orbits and some of the challenges of maintaining them.
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/OrbitsCatalog/?src=features-recent
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SCIENCE NEWS
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(24) COSMIC RAYS HIT SPACE AGE HIGH
Sept. 29 – NASA spacecraft are measuring record-high levels of cosmic rays--a side-effect of the deepest solar minimum in nearly a century. The cosmic ray storm appears to be intensifying, say researchers, and the peak may be yet to come.
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/29sep_cosmicrays.htm?list1110881
(25) WATER MOLECULES FOUND ON THE MOON
Sept. 24 - Using instruments on three separate spacecraft, scientists have discovered water molecules in the polar regions of the Moon.
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/24sep_moonwater.htm?list1110881
(26) METEORITE IMPACES EXPOSE ICE ON MARS
Sept. 24 - NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has revealed frozen water hiding just below the surface of mid-latitude Mars. The spacecraft's observations were obtained from orbit after meteorites excavated fresh craters on the Red Planet. To view images of the craters and learn more about the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/mro
(27) CASSINI REVEALS NEW RING QUIRKS, SHADOWS DURING EQUINOX
Sept. 21 - NASA scientists are marveling over the extent of ruffles and dust clouds revealed in the rings of Saturn during the planet's equinox last month. Scientists once thought the rings were almost completely flat, but new images reveal the heights of some newly discovered bumps in the rings are as high as the Rocky Mountains. To view Cassini images of the equinox and for more information about the mission, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/cassini
(28) STUDENTS TRACK THE LCROSS SPACECRAFT
Sept. 21 - Using a colossal radio telescope in the Mojave Desert, school kids around the world are helping NASA track the LCROSS spacecraft as it heads for a crash landing on the Moon. Students attending 283 schools worldwide are participating in the Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope Project, or GAVRT -- a joint project between NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Lewis Center for Educational Research. Boys and girls control the behemoth telescope via the internet and they have been learning how to do radio astronomy just like real mission scientists. http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/21sep_gavrt.htm?list1110881
(29) NASA LUNAR SATELLITE BEGINS MAPPING THE MOON’S SOUTH POLE
Sept. 17 - Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, has successfully completed its testing and calibration phase and entered its mapping orbit of the moon. The spacecraft already has made significant progress toward creating the most detailed atlas of the moon's south pole to date. Scientists released preliminary images and data from LRO's seven instruments. For more information about LRO and to view the new images, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/lro
(30) NEW NASA TELESCOPE TO SEARCH FOR DARK ASTEROIDS
Sept. 15 - NASA is set to launch a sensitive new infrared telescope to seek out sneaky things in the night sky -- among them, dark asteroids that could pose a threat to Earth.
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/15sep_ninjaastronomy.htm?list1110881
(31) NASA SATELLITES HELP MEASURE WATER FROM THE SKY
Sept. 14 - A new tool developed by the Idaho Department of Water Resources and the University of Idaho is changing the face of water management and conservation by efficiently offering specific measurements of the water consumed across a large region or single field. Using surface temperature readings from NASA and government satellites, air temperature and a system of algorithms, the new method lets officials measure how much water is "consumed" on a certain piece of land through evapotranspiration. Read the full article at:
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CALENDAR
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Oct. 2 – Abstracts due for ISU 14th Annual Symposium, http://www.isunet.edu
Oct. 5-9 - Solar Week Fall 2009, http://www.solarweek.org/cms/
Oct. 4-10 – World Space Week, http://www.worldspaceweek.org/index.html
Oct. 8 – From the Big Bang to the James Webb Telescope: An Evening with John C. Mather, Koshland Science Museum in Washington, DC, http://www.koshland-science-museum.org/events/upcomingevent.jsp?id=362
Oct. 9- LCROSS lunar impacts, http://lcross.arc.nasa.gov/observation.htm
Oct. 10 - Public Event on the Astronomy of the Maya, Oct. 11-17 – Earth Science Week: Understanding Climate, http://climate.nasa.gov and http://www.earthsciweek.org/
Oct. 13 – NASA Public Lecture: Dark Matter, http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/events/events.html
Oct. 20-23 – ISS EarthKam Fall 2009 Mission, http://www.EarthKAM.ucsd.edu
Oct. 29-31 – NSTA Regional, Minneapolis, http://www.nsta.org/conferences/2009min/?lid=tnav
Nov. 12-14 – NSTA Regional, Ft. Lauderdale, http://www.nsta.org/conferences/2009ftl/?lid=tnav
Nov. 17 – NASA Public Lecture: Update on Polar Ice, http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/events/events.html
Nov. 18 - NASA DLN VideoConference, NASAimages.org and eClips, http://dln.nasa.gov/dln/content/webcast/, http://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/events/events.html
Nov. 30 – Round three Top Stars entries due, http://topstars.strategies.org/
Dec. 3-5 – NSTA Regional, Phoenix, http://www.nsta.org/conferences/2009pho/?lid=tnav
Dec. 14-18 – American Geophysical Union (AGU) meeting, San Francisco
April 28 - NASA DLN VideoConference, MoonWorld, http://dln.nasa.gov/dln/content/webcast/
May 26 - NASA DLN VideoConference, On the Moon, http://dln.nasa.gov/dln/content/webcast/
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
NASA Science Mission Directorate: Larry Cooper, Stephanie Stockman and Ming-Ying Wei.
Editor: Theresa Schwerin, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), theresa_schwerin@strategies.org
Writer: Catherine Fahey, IGES, catherine_fahey@strategies.org
Contributions from:
Larry Cooper, NASA HQ; Karin Hauck, UC Berkeley Space Science Lab; Jan Heiderer, GLOBE; Keliann LaConte, James Lochner, NASA GSFC; Lunar and Planetary Institute; Bryan Mendez, UC Berkeley Space Science Lab Sten Odenwald, NASA GSFC; Denise Smith, STScI; Aleya VanDoren, NASA GSFC and Daniel Zevin, UC Berkeley Space Science Lab.
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