1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

1978


USRA Headquarters moves from Houston to Columbia, Maryland.

 

January
The Institute's name is changed from Lunar Science Institute to Lunar and Planetary Institute.


January 19–20
The Caribbean Plate Workshop, focusing on the western Caribbean, explores such geological issues as plate tectonics and volcanology. The workshop generates a three-year study project focusing on geodynamics and volcanology.

 

February 6–8

The Workshop on Mars brings together Viking researchers to discuss igneous petrology and weathering processes on the Red Planet.

 

May 20
The U.S. Pioneer Venus Orbiter launches.

 

September 11–13

At the Workshop on Experimental Approaches to Comets, researchers discuss observational and modeling techniques and the Comet Rendezvous mission.

 

November 14–17
At the Workshop on How to Explore for Lunar Resources, representatives from government, universities, and industry discuss concepts of lunar resource utilization, particularly in situ instrument needs.

 

December 21
Venera 12 enters the Venus atmosphere and lands on the surface.