New and Noteworthy

Planetary Data: A Workshop for Users and Software Developers

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Flagstaff, AZ (USA)
June 25-29, 2012[/br]

http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/groups/Planetary-Data-Workshop

We are pleased to announce Planetary Data: A Workshop for Users and Software Developers to be held June 25–29, 2012, at Northern Arizona University (NAU) in Flagstaff, Arizona. The meeting facility is at the du Bois Conference Center on the NAU campus. The two content tracks will share a common day on Wednesday to hold talks of overlapping interest. One or both tracks can be attended and there is no registration fee for either. Abstract submissions for presentations and/or posters are due by April 30, 2012.

Planetary Data Users Track

Share information on digital planetary data, including availability, access and analysis methods.
Present how-to guides for locating, acquiring, processing and working with digital planetary data.

Planetary Software Developers Track

Bring researchers and technology experts together to discuss and exchange ideas to identify difficult planetary research issues that can be addressed by software development.
Present planetary data processing and software development methods and techniques.

The Planetary Data Users track is sponsored by the NASA Planetary Data System, the Planetary Geology and Geophysics Program, and the Regional Image Facility network. The Planetary Software Developers track is sponsored by the NASA PG&G Cartography Program. Schedule April 30, 2012 - Deadline for Abstract Submission (for presentation or poster) June 15, 2012 - Registration Deadline (if not submitting an abstract). June 25-29, 2012 - Workshop: Data Users (June 25-27), Software Developers (June 27-29)

International Observe the Moon Night (InOMN) Moon Viewing Kit Available

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

International Observe the Moon Night (InOMN) is an educational outreach event sponsored by multiple NASA and astronomical organizations. The LPI Library now has an InOMN moon viewing kit available to check out. The kit, assembled in conjunction with last year's event, includes a pair of binoculars, a tripod, a lunar globe, several children's books about the moon, and the braille book Getting a Feel for Lunar Craters. Contact the library for more information about how to borrow it.

Presidents' Day Closing

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

The LPI Library will be closed on Monday, February 20, in observance of Presidents' Day.

Night Sky Viewing at The Lunar and Planetary Institute

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Winter Wanderers Free Event Saturday, January 21 7 – 9 p.m. View Jupiter and Venus through telescopes. Discover the changing appearance of the night sky through hands-on activities. Explorers of all ages are invited. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

New Library Catalog

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

We have a new library catalog. One of the features is that it produces an RSS feed of the latest materials. It also provides a feed of the latest journal issues received. Please subscribe to the RSS feed in our new catalog.

Family Space Days - Changes for 2012

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

In order to better serve families and reach out to our community, the LPI is changing things up! We will offer two new programs in 2012! While we have enjoyed sharing Earth and space science with you through the Family Space Days program for the past eight years, our Family Space Days Saturday events at LPI will no longer be offered. We hope you will join us in our new endeavors:

Programs at Local Libraries

Children ages 5 to 8 and their families will be invited to join us at partnering libraries for hands-on science activities. Beginning in spring 2012, check your local library listings to find the program nearest you. The events will be designed to help parents effectively engage and interact with their children in science during the event and in continued explorations at home. Our goals for this new effort include generating strong partnerships with local libraries, reaching new communities, and providing avenues for families to continue their explorations of science beyond our events. This program is in development, and further details will be available in the future.

Family-friendly Night-sky Viewing Events

LPI, with its partner, the JSC Astronomical Society, will continue to offer night-sky viewing events - open to explorers of all ages - at the Lunar and Planetary Institute. Night-sky viewing events will be offered about four times a year. We will continue to have hands-on activities in addition to viewing through telescopes, weather permitting.

Holiday Schedule

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

The LPI will be closed beginning December 26 and will reopen again January 3, 2012. The building will be locked between December 26 and January 2, but there may be staff working. If you wish to use the library during that time, make prior arrangements or call 281-486-2182 to ensure that someone will be available to let you enter. Happy Holidays!

From the Moon: Mapping & Exploration Exhibit

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at the College of Charleston in Charleston, North Carolina, is currently presenting the exhibit From the Moon: Mapping & Exploration.

This exhibit addresses our visual perceptions of the Moon, from Earth and from space, and demonstrates how advances in optical technologies have increased our understanding over time.

Several artifacts on loan from the Lunar and Planetary Institute Library are on display in this exhibit. The exhibit runs through March 3, 2012.

Cosmic Explorations Speaker Series Continues

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The Cosmic Explorations Speaker Series continues on Thursday, November 10, with a presentation by Dr. Bill Bottke of the Southwest Research Institute. His talk entitled "Planet Formation: What's New with the Oldest Events in the Solar System?" will address recent advances in planet formation that are challenging long-held views.

You can learn more about Dr. Bottke at his asteroid research homepage.

This free presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Lunar and Planetary Institute and will be followed by a light reception and an opportunity to meet and chat with Dr. Bottke.

Family Space Day - Solar System Extremes

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Join us at the Lunar and Planetary Institute for Family Space Day as we explore Solar System Extremes. Learn about the biggest, smallest, coldest, fastest, hottest things in the solar system through hands-on activities.

Children between 5-8 years old and their families are invited to explore space science together. This free event will be on Saturday, November 19, from 10 am - 1 pm.

Dava Sobel lecture now available online

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The Cosmic Explorations series lecture presented by Dava Sobel on Thursday, September 22, entitled Humanity's Changing Relationship with the Solar System is now available online.

The library is changing!

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The LPI library is going through some changes. Some areas have been reconfigured, and new equipment is being installed, including a 46-inch internet TV. Some library resources and equipment have moved. Contact a library staff member if you need help finding anything.

New Children's Books

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Lots of new children’s books have been added to the collection recently. Here are a few of the new titles published this year:

Meet the Planets by John McGranaghan

Far-Out Guide to Jupiter by Mary Kay Carson

13 Planets: The Latest View of the Solar System by David Aguilar

Robots in Space by Christopher Forest

Exploring the Solar System by Amanda Doering Tourville

Space by Mike Goldsmith

A Project Guide to the Solar System by Colleen Kessler

Stars and Planets by Carole Stott

Solar System by Sue Hamilton

Come check them out.

MyMoon Webcast with the NASA Desert RATS

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Don’t forget to join MyMoon next week, September 6 at 1 pm Eastern for a special webcast with Dr. Jake Bleacher from NASA Goddard. Jake is currently in the Arizona desert near the Black Point Lava Flow with the NASA Desert RATS conducting integrated mission simulations to evaluate different conditions that will enable multiple destinations for future human exploration including the Moon, near-Earth asteroids (NEAs), Mars moons, and ultimately the surface of Mars. Jake will join us live from the habitat module as he discuss the hardware and protocols the team is testing and will answer questions about the Desert RATS test and objectives.

Join MyMoon for Jake’s webcast at 1pm Eastern on September 6.

Follow the Desert RATS during this year's field tests through blogs, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube:

Read their weblog
Follow them on Twitter
Flickr photostream
YouTube Channel

Are you a teacher? Do you know a teacher? The Desert RATS education group has created classroom activities for grades 5-12.

Labor Day Holiday

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The LPI Library will be closed on Monday, September 5, in observance of Labor Day.

Out-of-this-World Jobs at Family Space Day

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Join us at the Lunar and Planetary Institute for Family Space Day as we explore Out-of-this-World Jobs.

Children between 5-8 years old and their families are invited to meet space scientists and engineers and explore what they do! This free event will be on Saturday, September 17, from 10 am - 1 pm.

Amazing images online

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Keep up with the latest earth science and space images online. There are several websites that present new images daily. These websites feature images with captions and links for further information.
Earth Science Picture of the Day
Astronomy Picture of the Day
Lunar Photo of the Day
NASA Image of the Day

The Cosmic Explorations Speaker Series

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The Cosmic Explorations Speaker Series returns September 22, 2011 for the 2011-2012 series. Join LPI as we celebrate NASA’s Year of the Solar System. The Year of the Solar System is a 23-month event celebrating NASA’s exploration of the solar system. The scientific results from robotic missions sent to explore the solar system are changing our perceptions of the solar system, while compelling us to ask new questions.

Join LPI as we partner with the University of Houston-Clear Lake on September 22, 2011 to kick-off the 2011-2012 series – New Missions, New Perspectives, New Questions – with a very special guest speaker. Dava Sobel, author of Longitude, Galileo’s Daughter, and The Planets, will explore humanity’s changing relationship with the solar system. Included in her presentation will be a discussion of our transition from a mythological to scientific perspective of the planets and our transition from a geocentric to heliocentric perspective of the solar system.

You can learn more about Dava Sobel at her website.

In anticipation of a large turnout, the University of Houston-Clear Lake has graciously agreed to host Ms. Sobel’s presentation in the theater in the Bayou Building on the UHCL campus. UHCL is located at 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, TX 77058.

Free parking will be available in the Student Parking Lot that evening for those attending the presentation. Because night classes will be in session, the Student Parking Lot will be in use by UHCL students so groups attending the presentation should plan to carpool.

This free presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. and will be followed by a light reception and an opportunity to meet Ms. Sobel. Please note that this event is not a book signing. Ms. Sobel will be available to speak with attendees but will not be able to sign books. Attendees will also have the opportunity to view the photography exhibit "Celebrating Shuttle: An American Icon" on display at the time of the presentation.

If you have any questions regarding the location of and parking at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, please contact the University Advancement Office at 281-283-2021.

Archive of PSRDpresents Slide Sets

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The Archive of PSRDpresents Slide Sets could be a useful supplement to textbooks for teaching the latest planetary science.

Planetary Science Research Discoveries (PSRD) is an educational site sharing the latest research by NASA-sponsored scientists on meteorites, asteroids, planets, moons, and other materials in our Solar System. The website is supported by the Cosmochemistry Program of NASA's Science Mission Directorate and by Hawai'i Space Grant Consortium and is a vital link for planetary and space sciences, and for learning how science works.

Some slide sets are:

Crystallizing the Lunar Magma Ocean
A Traveling CAI
Timeline of Martian Volcanism
Wet, Carbonaceous Asteroids: Altering Minerals, Changing Amino Acids
Mineral Abundances in Martian Soils
Supernova Confetti in Meteorites
Unraveling the Origin of the Lunar Highlands Crust
New View of Gas and Dust in the Solar Nebula
Damp Moon Rising
Formation of Stony-Iron Meteorites in Early Giant Impacts
A Younger Age for the Oldest Martian Meteorite
Asteroid, Meteor, Meteorite
Dynamics and Chemistry of Planet Construction

Rockets to Other Worlds

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Rockets to Other Worlds at Family Space Day at the Lunar and Planetary Institute

Children ages 5-8 years old and their families are invited to explore space science together at this free event. There will plenty of hands-on activities for the kids to enjoy.

August 20, 10 am - 1 pm

Exploring Mars Habitability Conference

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The abstract book and conference presentations from the Exploring Mars Habitability Conference held on 13 to 15 June in Lisbon, Portugal are now available. Some of the talks include:

The Nakhlite Impact Hydrothemal Cell: Mineralogy, Fluid and Habitability / J.C. Bridges, S.P. Schwenzer
Ancient habitability in Early Archaean volcanic and sedimentary rocks: Relevance for habitability in Noachian/Hesperian materials on Mars / F. Westall et al.
Evidence for the Long-Term Persistence of Habitable Conditions in the Deep-Subsurface of Mars / S.M. Clifford, M.D. Max

Reprinting NASA Publications

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

NASA is looking for partners to publish their out-of-print materials.

NASA recognizes the power of strategic and mutually beneficial partnerships to improve efficiency and maximize its outreach to the public concerning NASA's programs. To this end, NASA seeks unfunded partnerships with organizations to help promote awareness of NASA's history. The purpose of this Announcement is to determine interest by non-government entities in reprinting NASA historical publications that were originally published by the Government Printing Office. NASA would benefit by having valuable historical publications available to the public, which will increase general awareness in the U.S. and abroad of NASA historical programs and activities; and respondents could benefit from enlarging their portfolio of aerospace publications and increasing sales worldwide. A complete listing of NASA History Series titles, as well as related historical publications not formally in the NASA History Series, is available from http://history.nasa.gov/series95.html online.

Additions to Flicker

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Ten new NASA press release images are available on our Flicker site. They are:

Updrafts of Large Ammonia Crystals in Saturn Storm
Springtime at Marsʼ South Pole
Hematite in Capri Chasma
Harris Crater Delta
Daedalia Planum Lava Flows
Wallow Fire, Arizona
Tornado Track near Sturbridge, Massachusetts
Fractured Impact Melt
Granular Flow
Another Look at Atget

Discover Earth: A Century of Change

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Application deadline: September 2, 2011

The American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office, in partnership with the National Center for Interactive Learning at Space Science Institute, the Lunar and Planetary Institute and the National Girls Collaborative Project, announces a new traveling exhibition opportunity for public libraries. Ten public libraries will be selected to host an interactive exhibition called Discover Earth: A Century of Change.

Discover Earth will tour from January 2012 to December 2013, visiting each of the ten selected sites for a period of eight weeks. The exhibition requires approximately 500-750 square feet of space for optimal display. Each site will be awarded a grant of $1,000 to support public programs related to the exhibition.

The Discover Earth exhibition will focus on local earth science topics—such as weather, water cycle, and ecosystem changes—as well as a global view of our changing planet. The primary message of the exhibition is that the global environment changes – and is changed by – the local environment of all exhibition-hosts’ communities. Interactive, multimedia displays will allow exhibit visitors to interact with digital information in a dynamic way, encouraging new perspectives on our planet.

Discover Earth is made possible through the support of the National Science Foundation. The exhibition and its educational support materials and outreach opportunities are part of the STAR (Science-Technology Activities and Resources) Library Education Network (STAR_Net), a hands-on learning program for libraries and their communities.

Apply online
Site Support Notebook (coming soon)
Community of Practice (CoP)
Grant guidelines (PDF)

Seen on the ALA site

Historical Topographic Quadrangle Maps Released

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) announces initial availability of historical topographic quadrangle maps of the United States.

The USGS Historical Quadrangle Scanning Project (HQSP) is in the process of releasing all editions and all scales of more than 200,000 historic topographic maps of the United States dating from 1884-2006. For more than 130 years, the USGS topographic mapping program has accurately portrayed the complex geography of our Nation. The historical topographic map collection contains all editions and all scales of USGS topographic quadrangles. Files are high resolution (600 DPI) scanned images of all maps from the USGS legacy collection. The historical topographic map collection includes all States and U.S. territories mapped by the USGS. The HQSP creates a master catalogue and digital archive for all topographic maps and provides easy access to the public to download this historical data to accompany topographic maps that are no longer available for distribution as lithographic prints.

Historical maps are available to the public at no cost in GeoPDF format from the USGS Store. These maps are georeferenced and can be used in conjunction with the new USGS digital topographic map, the US Topo. Future plans include providing the historical maps in GeoPDF andGeoTIFF formats through The National Map in the fall of 2011. The GeoTIFFs can be imported into a Geographic Information System and overlain with other data sources.

A video of the HQSP presentation given at The National Map Users Conference (TNM UC) in May is now available online.