Archive for April, 2009

Space Ambassadors Needed at the ISDC

Thursday, April 2nd, 2009

Dear Space Ambassador Program Participants

We need your presence at the National Space Society International Space Development Conference (ISDC) 2009, in Orlando, Florida on May 28 –May 31 for what promises to be the biggest and best citizens’ space conference of the year.   http://www.isdc2009.org

The International Space Development Conference (ISDC) is the annual conference for the National Space Society and has grown into the largest public space conference of the year.  It is a national gathering for space-interested leaders and citizens to connect, re-energize and make plans for the future.

There will be a Space Ambassadors Program reception on Thursday evening, a participation workshop scheduled during the conference to review the program participation rules & guidelines,  a extensive conference program of presentations/panel discussions, along with a myriad of opportunities for networking.  If you are in the space business or want to be, ISDC 2009 is the place to be.

Since the National Space Society in partnership with Virgin Galactic announced the formation of the Space Ambassador Program at the International Space Development Conference in Washington D.C. last year we have been busy transforming the concept into a viable program.  As of now we have over 3,600 very excited volunteers and enrollment is still growing. http://www.spaceambassadors.com   Our goal is to train volunteer Ambassadors to go into their own communities and make presentations to students, interest advocacy groups, and civic organizations on the opportunities space offers for helping to provide for a positive future.  A future they can be a part of making real.  Our mission is to foster and excite our young people to seek educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, aerospace and aeronautical fields. We need to inform these young Pioneers about the current and future opportunities needed to grow the Space Industry in both Government and Private sectors. 

Hope you can come join us at ISDC 2009!

Lee Jones
Space Ambassadors Program Director

Family Day at National Air and Space Musuem

Thursday, April 2nd, 2009

Explore the Universe
Saturday, April 04
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Throughout the National Mall building
Admission: Free

Learn about the universe by participating in an array of family friendly hands-on activities, listen to the cosmic sounds of The Chromatics and talk to Museum staff and local experts about choosing, using, and caring for telescopes and other astronomical instruments.

Schedule of events and activities

10:05 and 11:30 AM
Two Pieces of Glass — a Planetarium Show for the International Year of Astronomy

11:00 AM and 1:30 PM
Listen to the The Chromatics sing about the Universe

11:00 AM and 1:30 PM
Go to a Story time (recommended for children ages 3 and older)
There Once Was a Sky Full of Stars written by Bob Crelin

12:30 PM
Observe the stars of astronomy who will talk about their work and why they love astronomy
* Dr. Vera Rubin–proved Dark Matter exists
* Dr. Nancy Roman–made the Hubble Space Telescope happen
* Dr. George Carruthers–put the first telescope on the moon

2:30 PM
Take a family tour about Women in Astronomy

All Day Activities

Build your own refracting telescope (free with timed-ticket available at the activity table)
Recommended for children ages 8 and older

Make a pocket solar clock
Recommended for children ages 5 and older

Find out about your sun sign and make a constellation
Recommended for children ages 3 and older

Chat with amateur astronomers
Learn about star parties and the International Year of Astronomy

Learn how to help save the night sky
Talk to members of the International Dark Sky Association

** Schedule of events and activities is subject to change **

This event is made possible by the generous support of the Northrop Grumman Corporation.

Lunar Education Posters

Wednesday, April 1st, 2009

Luanr and Planetary Institute Education and Public Outreach Home Page has three educational posters avalible about the Moon, Lunar science and resources for future Development. These posters are designed for 6th to 9th grade students, but can be down loaded by anyone.

Lunar Poster Page