Saturn Observation Campaign

NASA / JPL Cassini-Huygens Saturn Observation Campaign

Students listen as a Saturn Observation Campaign member gives a talk in Puerto Rico

An elementary school science club in Puerto Rico listens to a Cassini presentation

Each year we invite professional and amateur astronomers plus interested members of the public to join the Cassini-Huygens Mission to Saturn, through membership in the Saturn Observation Campaign. A section of NASAs Cassini-Huygens website is dedicated to mission resources and educational material. Saturn observing tips are available as well.

In 2008, we were looking for members in states where we have few or no current active members.

What: Conduct three or more Cassini programs or observing events each year. You may wish to partner with local libraries, astronomy clubs or science centers. Members are required to report events on our web site.

African children gather around a telescope for views of Saturn

Saturn night in Benin, West Africa

Why: Members of the Saturn Observation Campaign will be able to participate in telecon training sessions conducted from NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Material from these training sessions are available for use in member presentations to their communities. Saturn Observation Campaign members may also conduct observing sessions when Saturn is visible in the night sky. These outreach programs have a lasting impact in creating a connection between local communities and exploration of the solar system.

When: The application window for 2008 participants is open for applicants in underrepresented states.

How: Apply electronically using the Saturn Observation Campaign Application.

Who: If you have questions regarding this program, please contact: Jane Houston Jones by e-mail at jane.h.jones@jpl.nasa.gov or call (818) 393-6435.

Note: This Opportunity to Participate will be repeated only for selected underrepresented states and countries.

Selection Criteria

Team members will be selected based on the following criteria:

Experience in planetary observation using telescopes
Knowledge of the Cassini-Huygens mission and its science objectives
Ability to partner with local resources at schools, municipal organizations, museums, planetariums and private industry
Experience in planning events
Member of or ability to partner with local astronomy organizations. Ownership of a telescope is not a requirement, but partnering with astronomy organizations will allow you to hold Saturn Observing events in your community.

Note to applicants:

Amateur astronomy organizations may apply as a group but must submit a single point of contact. Membership in an astronomy club is not a requirement.
Planetariums and museums should follow the same rule and submit a single point of contact
Solar System Ambassadors, Educators and members of clubs participating in the Night Sky Network should indicate their affiliation with those programs. Events reported to the Saturn Observation Campaign should not be reported additional times to the other volunteer networks.

Requirements:

Host three or more events through December 2008
Report demographic data on attendees using the event summary form
Year-round access to e-mail and the Internet
Ability to download and print materials from the Internet