FAQ: Unknown Moon Institute

Location and Transportation

• The workshop will take place at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. 
• We have no funding available for accommodations or to reimburse participants for their travel.  Participants may make their own transportation and hotel arrangements; there are a variety of hotels listed at http://www.jhuapl.edu/aboutapl/visitor/lodging.asp. 
  • In this trying economic time, we recommend that all travel arrangements include refundable options, rather than non-refundable hotel reservations or plane tickets.
  • We have made an agreement for a reduced price at the Sheraton Columbia for the government rate of $105 for single or double occupancy. Reservations should be made under the group name “Unknown Moon” by registering online at https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/StarGroupsWeb/res?id=1304234039&key=536B6 or by calling the Hotel directly at 410-730-3900 or 1-888-627-8318 by Friday, May 24, 2013.
  • The most affordable hotel in the area appears to be the Econo Lodge Laurel Racetrack.
• A map of the main APL campus is provided; the workshop will take place in Building 200 on the South side of campus, which is located at 11101 Johns Hopkins Road.
• Transportation will be provided for any trips that take place during the workshop.
• We will be sharing the school (business) contact information of all registered participants shortly to allow participants to discuss possible carpooling or sharing a hotel room; if you would prefer that we not share your school contact information from your application, please let us know as soon as possible.

• Special arrangements will need to be made to permit any non-US citizens to attend the fieldtrips within the Applied Physics Laboratory, due to security, and there is no guarantee that non-citizens will be cleared for access.  Please notify Christine immediately if you are not a US citizen so that we can gather the information APL needs.

Participants

• We will be creating a list of participants; please let us know if you do not want us to share your contact information with the other participants.
• We will be providing lunch every day; please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.
• The meeting rooms may be chilly for some participants; please bring a jacket with you.

• Laurel, MD climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70's; in June the average maximum temperature is 86 degrees F.

Workshop Preparation

• If possible, bring a laptop computer with wireless internet with you; there will be opportunities to use it during the workshop to examine a variety of data sets.  However, if you are not able to bring a laptop, participants will be working in groups and you will be matched with someone who has one.
• Cameras are NOT ALLOWED within the secured perimeters of APL or during tours on APL property.  The workshop classroom is outside of the secured perimeter, so cameras are allowed in the workshop classroom.
• Dress is casual.