So a while ago, I worked on a project to build a website for the LRO and LCROSS missions at NASA. Basically, this was a mission that sent a satellite to map the moon’s surface and take measurements in preparation for another manned moon landing. LCROSS was added on when it became apparent that there was additional space that shouldn’t go to waste. LCROSS takes parts of the craft that would normally drift aimlessly through space and impacts them into a south pole crater. The resulting plume will give us lots of data about what elements are on the moon, and let us know whether or not there are large stores of water ice frozen in these craters.

I write all of that because Thursday night/Friday morning, the LCROSS impactor will hit the moon. This will be a pretty big deal and, due to careful planning, we can check it out via big telescopes and on NASA TV. If you’re in the Bay Area, Chabot Space & Science Center is hosting a party. I’m sure there are others at planetariums around the world. If you want to throw your own party, NASA put together a whole info kit for you! Enjoy

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 7th, 2009 at 9:09 am and is filed under Interesting, science. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.