New and Noteworthy

Webcast with Artist Brent Bishop

Wed, 09 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Join the MyMoon webcast on May 10 at 8 pm ET for a lively discussion with artist Brent Bishop about lunar art. Brent is a painter who was influenced by the astronomy department at the University of Colorado Boulder as an undergraduate, helping him win first place in a NASA art competition on Life and Work on the Moon. Join us and hear him talk about his work.

Telescopes at the LPI Library

Tue, 08 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The Lunar and Planetary Institute Library has received a generous donation of three Scopetech Raptor 60 telescopes, and they have been added to our collection. These telescopes are available to borrow. Stop by the library and have a look.

Lunar and Planetary Information Bulletin Issue 128/129 Now Available

Tue, 08 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The latest Lunar and Planetary Information Bulletin, double issue 128/129, is now available. Features in this issue include:

Feature article "What a Long, Strange Trip: 50 Years of Planetary Exploration" by Andrew Chaikin

News From Space

MESSENGER Provides New Look at Mercury's Landscape, Metallic Core, and Polar Shadows
A Magnetic Surprise for Venus Express
GRAIL Videos for Moon's Farside Excite Students
NASA Spacecraft Reveals Recent Geological Activity on the Moon
NASA Planning Group Takes Key Steps for Future Mars Exploration
New Views Show Old NASA Mars Landers
Durable NASA Rover Beginning Ninth Year of Mars Work
Camera on NASA Mars Odyssey Tops Decade of Discovery
"Mountain Sharp" on Mars Links Geology's Past and Future
Cassini Detects Hint of Fresh Air at Dione
Dawn Obtains First Low-Altitude Images of Vesta
Vesta Likely Cold and Dark Enough for Ice
Kepler Mission Finds Three Smallest Exoplanets
Organics Probably Formed Easily in Early Solar System
Hubble's 22nd Anniversary Image Shows Turbulent Star-Making Region

Meeting Highlights

43rd Lunar and Planetary Science Conference

Spotlight on Education

Continuing the Year of the Solar System (YSS)
Sun-Earth Day
Center for Astronomy Education Teaching Excellence Workshops
Communicating Science, a National Conference on Science Education and Public Outreach
Announcing New EarthSpace Website
Sudbury Field Camp

In Memoriam

James R. Arnold
Susan Niebur
Anthony "Tony" Calio

Milestones

Grunsfeld to Head NASA Science Directorate
Figueroa Named as Chair of New Mars Program Planning Group
NASA Announces Senior Leadership Changes
Columbia University Names Solomon as Director of Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
Grinspoon Selected as First Astrobiology Chair
LPI Announces Career Development Award Winners
McSween Receives Lawrence Smith Medal
Hawking Accepts Prestigious NSS Award
Kouveliotou Receives 2012 Dannie Heineman Prize in Astrophysics
Gerstenmaier Receives AIAA Von Karman Award
NASA Announces Student Winners in Space Game Design Challenge
NASA Announces 2012 Carl Sagan Fellows
NASA Selects Next Class of Student Ambassadors
Community College Scholars Selected to Design Rovers
Montana Students Pick Winning Names for Moon Craft
Educators Selected to Fly on SOFIA Airborne Observatory
Cassini Mission Receives Air and Space Museum Award
Kepler Mission Wins Aviation Week Award
NASA Ames Honored for 2011 NASA Government Invention of the Year
NASA's Twitter Account Receives Shorty Award
NASA Announces Aeronautics Research Institute
"We Are the Explorers" Video Showcases Legacy of Exploration, Future NASA Missions
The Epic Struggle Between Birds and Pigs Moves to Space with a NASA Science Twist
NASA Releases First Multi-Player Facebook Game

New and Noteworthy

New products of interest to the community

Calendar

Upcoming scientific conferences and workshops

Final Cosmic Explorations Lecture for the 2011-2012 Season

Thu, 03 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The Cosmic Explorations Speaker Series wraps up its 2011-2012 season on Thursday, June 7, with a presentation by Dr. Steve Clifford of the Lunar and Planetary Institute. His talk is entitled "Mars: Discoveries and Insights from 50 Years of Robotic Exploration."

You can learn more about Dr. Clifford at his LPI page.

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. Clifford.

View the Transit of Venus

Thu, 03 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Transit of Venus Free Event on Tuesday, June 5 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. View the transit of Venus through telescopes at the free Sky Fest event at the Lunar and Planetary Institute. Discover Venus and the Sun through hands-on activies. Explorers of all ages are invited. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

LPSC

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Please use #LPSC2012 as the hashtag for the 43rd Lunar and Planetary Science Conference. This will collocate the messages. @lpimeetings is the place to find the latest meeting information.

LPI Summer Workshops for Teachers

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT

The Unknown Moon Institute
July 25-29, 2012

High school science teachers both those currently teaching high school and those preparing to teach high school, are invited to attend this 35-hour, 5 day institute, investigating the Moon, at the Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston. Topics include:

The lunar polar environment
Water at the lunar poles
Working in the lunar environment
Robotic exploration of the Moon
Human missions to the Moon
Spectrometry
Formation of the Moon
Geology of the Moon
Moon phases and eclipses

For further information or to apply to attend, go to http://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/workshops/unknownMoon/ Lunar Workshops for Educators
Taking place in several different locations across the United States this summer

Grade 6-12 science teachers are invited to attend a week-long workshop focused on lunar science, exploration, and how our understanding of the Moon is evolving with the new data from current and recent lunar missions. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) has allowed scientists to measure the coldest known place in the Solar System, map the surface of the Moon in unprecedented detail and accuracy, find evidence of recent lunar geologic activity, characterize the radiation environment around the Moon - and its potential effects on future lunar explorers, and much, much more! Workshop participants will:

Learn about the latest discoveries in lunar science from LRO and other recent lunar missions
Reinforce your understanding of lunar science concepts
Gain tools to help address common student misconceptions about the Moon
Interact with lunar scientists and engineers
Work with LRO data
Learn how to bring these data and information to your students using hands-on activities aligned with National Science Education Standards and Benchmarks

For further information or to apply to attend, go to http://lro.gsfc.nasa.gov/lwe/index.html Mars Revealed: Evolving Technology, Advancing Science
July 19-23, 2012

High school teachers, both those currently teaching high school and those preparing to teach high school, are invited to attend this week-long workshop investigating Mars science and exploration, at the Lunar and Planetary Institute, Houston. Topics include:

Earth/Mars Geology
Earth-Mars Comparisons
Martian Volcanic and Aqueous Mineralogy
Reflectance Spectrometry
Past, present, and future missions to Mars
Relationship between science and technology
Online tools to access and manipulate spacecraft data of Mars

Workshop registration is free, and includes breakfasts and lunches. Workshop participants will receive a $700 stipend upon completion of the workshop. Applications are not online yet but will be available soon. For further information or to apply to attend, go to http://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/workshops/mars/

Oversized Books Have Moved

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT

The library's oversized book collection has moved. This collection is now on the shelves along the wall next to Reports. Please contact the library staff if you need help finding anything.

Planetary Data: A Workshop for Users and Software Developers

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Flagstaff, Arizona (USA)
June 25-29, 2012

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 (PG&G), and the Regional Planetary 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