Contact:

Elvia Thompson
Headquarters, Washington
(Phone: 202/358-1696)

Krishna Ramanujan/Rob Gutro at AGU
Goddard Space Flight Center,
Greenbelt, Md.
(Phone: 607/273-2561/
301/286-4044)
(AGU Press Phone: 415/905-1007)

December 8, 2003 - NOTE TO EDITORS: n03-137

NASA ANNOUNCES PRESS CONFERENCES AT AGU MEETING

NASA researchers will present findings on various topics at the American Geophysical Union Meeting at the Moscone Convention Center (MCC), San Francisco, December 8-12.

THE MARTIAN CLIMATE, AS SEEN BY MARS ODYSSEY

Odyssey's sensors have measured the movement of carbon dioxide as it accumulates as frost at the winter poles and evaporates during the spring. Intriguing images of this dry ice will be shown. The Odyssey camera has obtained the most detailed map yet of the south Polar Regions. Measurements of water ice in the soil suggest a complex layering, indicating recent global climate change. Enigmatic hydrogen deposits at warm mid- latitudes will be discussed. Results from the radiation monitoring experiment show the level of radiation hazard that Mars-bound astronauts may face, including that from intense solar activity recently measured by the instrument. Press conference: Monday, December 8, noon EST. The associated session, P21A, is Tuesday, 11 a.m. EST in Room MCC 3002.

A SEASON IN THE LIFE OF THE ANTARCTIC OZONE HOLE

NASA's Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) instruments have been looking at ozone and making daily maps of the ozone content of the atmosphere. TOMS data has shown the evolution of the 'ozone hole' since 1979. This instrument was an essential factor in establishing international agreements that led to the banning of ozone destroying chlorofluorocarbons. Press conference: Monday, December 8, 4 p.m. EST. The associated sessions, A11A, A11G, begin on today at 11 a.m. EST in Room MCC 3018. Poster Session A21D is Tuesday, December 9, 11:30 a.m. EST on MCC Level 2.

NASA MISSION TO JUPITER'S ICY MOONS NASA's

Project Prometheus is developing plans for the Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter (JIMO). It will orbit Callisto, Ganymede and Europa, the three planet-size moons of Jupiter that have ingredients necessary for life: water, energy and necessary chemicals. JIMO will be the first spacecraft powered by nuclear electric propulsion. Press conference: Monday, December 8, 5 p.m. EST. The associated session, P11C, is Monday, December 8, 1:20 p.m. EST in Room MCC 3009.

ICESAT CAPTURES EARTH IN 3-D

NASA's Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) is sending home spectacular 3-D views of Earth's polar ice sheets, clouds, mountains, forestlands and even fires, all to help scientists understand how our changing climate affects life on Earth. Press conference: Tuesday, December 9, 6 p.m. EST. Special sessions C31A and C31D detail these results on Wednesday, December 10, at 11 a.m. EST in Room MCC 3010.

EARTH'S COLLAPSING DIPOLE

Earth's dipole field has decreased over the past 150 years at a rate greater than if flow in the outer core were to suddenly stop. The trend has far-reaching implications, ranging from the potential for more extensive radiation damage to satellites, to the possibility the field is heading toward reversal. Atmospheric changes are known to result from variations in solar activity, and thus should be expected if the dipole decrease persists. Discussions include what would happen to the atmosphere if there were an extremely large solar proton event caused by a large-scale solar storm during the time when Earth's magnetic field is low. Press conference: Thursday, December 11, at noon EST. The associated session is U42A, at 4:40 p.m. EST, Thursday, December 11 in Room MCC 3001-3003.

EARTH'S CLIMATE OVER THE PAST MILLENNIUM

Using the perspective of the past few millennia, speakers will discuss the latest research involving climate reconstructions and different models. Discussions include how researchers used a climate model that included solar radiation changes, volcanic eruptions, and natural internal variability to arrive at a more accurate look at Earth's changing climate. Press conference: Tuesday, December 9, 5 p.m. EST. The associated session, PP51, begins at 11 a.m. EST, on Friday, December 12, in Room MCC 3004.

HOW URBANIZATION IS IMPACTING CLIMATE

Scientists estimate by 2025, 60 percent of the world's population will live in cities. The urban environment can impact several aspects of the natural Earth system. This press conference will highlight some of the impact of urbanization on climate change including temperature changes, rainfall modification, and aerosol constituents. The press conference is Thursday, December 11 at 6 p.m. EST. Associated sessions: U51A on Friday, December 12 at 11 a.m. EST in Room MCC 3001- 3003 and U51C on Friday December 12 at 1:20 p.m. EST in Room MCC 3001-3003.