HR: 17:45h
AN: ED12E-04 INVITED     [PDF]
TI: PlanetQuest: Engaging the Public and Students in NASA's Search for New Worlds
AU: * Greene, M
EM: michael.greene@jpl.nasa.gov
AF: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 4800 Oak Grove Drive m/s 301-455, Pasadena, CA 91109-8099 United States
AU: Danner, R
EM: rolf.danner@jpl.nasa.gov
AF: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 4800 Oak Grove Drive m/s 301-455, Pasadena, CA 91109-8099 United States
AB: NASA's Navigator Program consists of four ground-breaking missions that span a twenty-five year time horizon. Two space-based and two ground-based missions will contribute to the overall goal of detecting and characterizing Earth-like planets around stars other than the Sun. The Keck Interferometer began its science mission in 2002, and the Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer will become operational in 2006, while the two space-based missions, the Space Interferometry Mission and the Terrestrial Planet Finder, will launch in 2009 and 2015 respectively. The science operations and analysis of all missions will be supported by the Michelson Science Center, operated by the California Institute of Technology. Navigator Public Engagement initiatives (which can also be found under the heading of "PlanetQuest") span the areas of formal education, informal education, and general public outreach. Two initiatives-improving astronomy instruction at community colleges, and the "Night Sky Network: Engaging Amateur Astronomy Clubs"-stand out as significant new investments for Navigator, and may serve as platforms for the participation of more NASA missions in the future. Other programs involve creating activities for "girls in science," continuing to support minority university research experiences, and developing museum exhibits, a planetarium show and other visualizations. The core values of all Navigator E/PO initiatives include involving scientists and engineers, creating effective partnerships, reaching underserved populations, and evaluating and measuring program impact.
UR: http://planetquest.jpl.nasa.gov/
DE: 6285 Stellar planetary systems
DE: 6605 Education
SC: Education and Human Resources [ED]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting