When the Stardust spacecraft transmitted the first close-up views of Comet Wild 2, the images revealed a complexity of features and processes that scientists found unexpected. Surprisingly tall pinnacles, craters of varied forms, and dozens of violently active jets covered the barren surface. After surviving passage through three large jets, Stardust is now headed home with a precious cargo of thousands of particles collected from the comet's coma. Donald Brownlee will present the dramatic results from the close encounter and describe the upcoming return of the sample canister, which will soft land at the Air Force's Utah Test and Training Range.
Donald Brownlee is Professor of Astronomy at the University of Washington and the Principal Investigator for the Stardust comet sample return mission.
Enjoy these free activities before tonight's lecture:
- 6:00 PM Visit a Discovery Station
- 6:30 PM Free IMAX film: Space Station 3D
- 7:30 PM Meet the speaker - a special question and answer session with Dr. D.E. Brownlee about his career
Lecture begins at 8 PM.
This lecture is free, but tickets are required. To request tickets online, please use the lecture ticket request form linked below. Questions call (202) 633-2398 or e-mail lectures@nasm.si.edu. The series continues through June. |
