Curiosity's big day: the Mars landing

kiya@evpl — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:17:00 GMT

There's always been something special about Mars, and the way it has captured our imagination. This weekend marks the opportunity to learn more about the planet that we have so long imagined.

Last November the new Mars rover, Curiosity, was encased in a space capsule launched toward Mars via Atlas rocket. I've been vaguely following it in the news, but never stopped to think about what a mission like this might entail. Saturday Sunday night (well, Sunday Monday morning at 12:31 am CDT) Curiosity is scheduled to land on Mars. I had given even less thought to what that might be like; after all, I've seen plenty of splashdowns and shuttle landings. No big deal anymore, right? Then the president of Caltech sent me a link to a 5 minute video about the difficulties involved in just the landing of the rover, and how the planners have dealt with each of the problems along the way. Take a few moments to watch "Curiosity's Seven Minutes of Terror."

President Chameux also said:

Since its launch in November 2011, the MSL mission and Curiosity have captured the world's attention. The promise of science and planetary exploration continues to inspire millions across the world, from school children and educators, to scientists, public officials and journalists. On August 5th at 10:31pm PDT we hope to begin a new era of discovery on Mars. But it won't be easy. Historically, about 1 in 3 missions attempting to approach Mars have been successful.

MSL is the most ambitious mission in the history of robotic planetary exploration. It is not just important for our nation, it is important for the world. The Curiosity rover will allow us to explore big questions-mainly, could Mars have ever supported life? Determining Mars's past or present habitability would be a game-changer. In addition, we want to investigate the chemical, isotopic, and mineralogical composition of the Martian surface and learn more about this planet's atmospheric processes.

The data retrieved from Mars will be used in research centers around the world to expand knowledge and to chart new pathways for exploration. Students of all ages will be exposed to new insights in planetary science. And science and engineering discoveries will continue to impact society in unimaginable ways. In short, the opportunities are endless.

On Sunday, we will hold our breath in anticipation during a seven-minute period as the MSL spacecraft blazes through the Martian atmosphere at 13,200 mph, puts on the brakes, and lowers Curiosity to the planet's surface.... In life, nothing is guaranteed, and given the boldness of the MSL mission, many things could go wrong. Luckily, MSL has the most innovative technology available guiding it safely to the surface of Mars.

Want to learn more?

Venus and the Sun seen once in a lifetime.

SuDocQueen@evpl — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 21:51:00 GMT

I just learned that on Tuesday, 6/5, we'll have the opportunity to see a once in a lifetime celestial event. Starting late Tuesday afternoon (our time) the planet Venus will slowly pass in front of the sun. The picture of a very orange sun with a little black dot on it, making it look remarkably like an orange, caught my attention on weather.com. Their article led me to check out NASA's article on the event, which also clued me into the fact that they will be broadcasting the event online for those who can't get outside to see it. They're not the only ones. San Francisco's Exploratorium will show it live online, as well as Slooh.com.

Before you get a bright idea, like me, and think you can just walk out in your backyard Tuesday evening and view the event, read the articles from NASA and The Weather Channel. Trying to see the transit with the naked eye is too damaging to our eyes. So, either buy the glasses or lenses for your telescope they suggest, or visit the Evansville Museum on Tuesday. The museum is hosting a Venus Transit event with help from our local Astronomical Society.

To while away your time until Tuesday, stop by the library where you can brush up on your knowledge of Venus and astronomy in general.

Research Blog : NASA

Curiosity's big day: the Mars landing

Venus and the Sun seen once in a lifetime.