Ask a Scientist [topic: the moon] October 7, 2008

THIS MONTH'S TOPIC: The Moon

Let's talk about the moon. In my opinion it's the best celestial body to observe — it's big enough to see in captivating detail without a telescope, and it doesn't thank you for your wonderment by burning out your eyeballs. And while it may lack the kaleidoscopic coloring, dynamic vitality, and exotic mystery of some of the other local orbs, our moon is the old friend we wouldn't want to lose. Tonight we'll learn all about our trusty sidekick — the theories on its formation, predictions about its future, its internal structure, its geological past and present, and the many ways in which it affects the earth. We'll also talk about one of the next missions NASA will be sending to the moon, the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite. LCROSS will launch next year and will impact the moon in search of water ice near its poles! BONUS: Weather permitting, we'll do some telescope-assisted skygazing after the talk. On tonight's menu is a lovely waxing half moon and glamorous gaseous Jupiter.

ABOUT THE SERIES: Ask a Scientist is an informative, entertaining, monthly lecture series, held at a San Francisco cafe. Each event features a speaker on a scientific topic, a short presentation, and the opportunity to ask all those burning questions that have been keeping you up at night. No tests, grades, or pressure…just food, drinks, socializing, and conversation about the universe’s most fascinating mysteries. http://www.askascientistSF.com

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