Clay Center debuts first public distance learning program with Mars Lander broadcast

Release Date: 5/9/2008 12:00:00 PM

Dateline (city): Charleston

Contact:
Katrina Harmon
Marketing and Communications Manager
304-561-3543

Attachment: mars_lander_press_release.pdf

Clay Center debuts first public distance learning program with Mars Lander broadcast

(Charleston, W.Va.) 5/9/08 – Be among the first to view images from the Phoenix Mars Lander as it lands on the red planet. On May 22 and May 25, the Clay Center will offer two special programs covering the event. These programs, which are free and open to the public, are made possible using distance learning equipment purchased with grants from Verizon.

Once it has landed, the Phoenix Mars Lander will dig to an ice-rich layer expected to lie within arm’s reach of the surface. It will analyze the water and soil for evidence about climate cycles and investigate whether the environment has been favorable for microbial life.

On Thursday, May 22 at 1:30 p.m., the Clay Center will present a remote broadcast in the Founder’s Lounge from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) at Green Bank. This special lecture will feature Dr. Peter Ilott, a scientist from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory who has worked on the project.

The following Sunday, May 25 beginning at 7 p.m. in the ElectricSky™ Theater, the Clay Center will broadcast live from Green Bank as NRAO scientists and staff monitor the actual landing of the craft. If all goes well, audience members will be among the first to see actual images of the Mars surface from the Lander. ElectricSky™ Theater doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

“Landing on Mars is extremely challenging. In fact, not since the 1970s have we had a successful powered landing on this unforgiving planet. There’s no guarantee of success, but we are doing everything we can to mitigate the risks,” said Doug McCuistion, director of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

Verizon West Virginia President B. Keith Fulton said, “Technology is the key to opportunity, and we are proud to partner with the Clay Center to bring this exciting and historic moment to West Virginia. Verizon’s goal is to ensure that people in the communities we serve have access to the technology needed to effectively participate and compete in the 21st century.”