'Space Chats' Has Large Crowd for an Explanation of Hubble Space Telescope

Lisa Mazzuca giving presentation on HST.	Photos by Pat Izzo

A large audience was on hand for the fourth in a series lectures known as "Space Chats" on Thursday, August 14, 7:30 p.m. at the Visitor Center. Ms. Lisa Mazzuca hosted a presentation and discussion entitled 'Recent Science and Future Plans for the Hubble Space Telescope (HST)'.

The goal of "Space Chats" is to give Goddard's surrounding communities an opportunity to better understand what is happening at Goddard by providing information about the latest findings in space and Earth research here.

Mazzuca started the evening with an overview of HST as a space based spacecraft. She described the importance of having high resolution and illustrated HST ability to see at distances never before dream of. She was able through audience participation to demonstrate HST's ability to see further than we ever have before. Mazzuca, using slides also gave an overview of HST's design and science instruments onboard HST.

"There are always more request then time allotted for scientists to use HST," said Mazzuca. "It is a phenomenal scientific instrument," added Mazzuca.

	Mazzuca explains imaginery to a young audience member

The crowd of more than 100 was given the opportunity to view several images captured by HST. Mazzuca displayed and explained gravitational lens and different Nebula formations. According to Mazzuca, HST continues to provide unmatched imagery and scientific results as seen through its nstruments' eyes.

She talked about plans for the next servicing mission to include two new instruments to be installed aboard HST. She said the next servicing mission has been pushed back because of the Columbia accident but a timetable is being worked out. According to Mazzuca, HST is scheduled to remain in service until at least 2010.

She also spoke briefly about the next generation space telescopes, which include the James Webb Space Telescope and talks about a second generation HST.

Thusrday, August 21, Goddard will host the next "Space Chats", entitled 'Sun Earth Connection/Living With a Star presented by Mr. Gilberto Colon. We live in the extended atmosphere of an active star, our sun. While sunlight enables and sustains life, the Sun's variability produces streams of high-energy particles and radiation that can harm life or alter its evolution. Under the protective shield of a magnetic field and atmosphere, the Earth is an island in the Universe where life has developed and flourished. The origins and fate of life on Earth are intimately connected to the way the Earth responds to the Sun's variations. Come join Dr. Colon as he further explains these unique phenomena.

Then on Thursday, August 28, Dr. James Garvin will present Mars Lives - The Story of a Planet that May Be Alive!

While the events are free, registration is required. For more information about Space Chats or to register for the first event, visit the Goddard home page at http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov and click on 'Space Chats.'

Contact Michelle Jones in the Public Affairs Office (B8 Rm. N150 or 6-8102) if you have further questions.