Date: August 30th, 2012
Title: LAMP Confirms Apollo Finding of Helium in the Lunar Atmosphere
Podcaster: Nancy Atkinson and Dr. Alan Stern
Organization: NASA Lunar Science Institute
Links: NASA Lunar Science Institute (NLSI) – http://lunarscience.arc.nasa.gov/
Music: “Amelia” by Ben Bedford from his “Land of the Shadows” CD. http://benbedford.com/
Description: What makes up the Moon’s tenuous atmosphere? Scientists using the Lyman Alpha Mapping Project or (LAMP) spectrometer aboard the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) found helium in the wispy atmosphere that surrounds the moon. To discuss this discovery, joining us is Dr. Alan Stern, principal investigator for LAMP, from the Southwest Research Institute, in Boulder, Colorado.
Bios: NLSI brings together leading lunar scientists from around the world to further NASA lunar science and exploration.
Dr. Alan Stern is the Principal Investigator for LAMP, and is probably best known as the principal investigator on New Horizons, the first-ever mission to Pluto and the Kuiper Belt. He has made detailed studies of Neptune’s largest moon, Triton, and formerly was the Assistant Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA.
Nancy Atkinson is a science journalist and is the Senior Editor for Universe Today
Today’s Sponsor: This episode of 365 days of Astronomy is sponsored by iTelescope.net – Expanding your horizons in astronomy today. The premier on-demand telescope network, at dark sky sites in Spain, New Mexico and Siding Spring, Australia.
End of podcast:
365 Days of Astronomy
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