1979
February 12–14
The Workshop on Ancient Crust of the Terrestrial Planets is held at the LPI.
March 8
The first volcanic plume on Io is discovered in Voyager 1 images.
March 19–23
The Tenth Lunar and Planetary Science Conference is held at the Gilruth Center, with 745 in attendance.
April 14–16
At the Workshop on Glass and Ceramics Industry in Space Based on Lunar Materials, representatives from the glass and ceramic industry meet with researchers to discuss the feasibility of manufacturing glass and ceramics on the Moon.
June 1
John R. Sevier is appointed LPI Acting Director.
September 1
Pioneer 11 takes first close-up images as it reaches Saturn.
October 15
Roger J. Phillips is appointed LPI Director.
November 14–16
The LPI Topical Conference on the Lunar Highlands Crust is held in Houston, resulting in the publication of the Proceedings of the Lunar Highlands Crust.