NASA Cassini Significant Events 09/16/09 – 09/22/09
The most recent spacecraft telemetry was acquired on Sept. 22 from the Deep Space Network tracking complex at Goldstone, California. The Cassini spacecraft is in an excellent state of health and all subsystems are operating normally. Information on the present position and speed of the Cassini spacecraft may be found on the “Present Position” page at: http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/operations/present-position.cfm
Wednesday, Sept. 16 (DOY 259):
The Cassini Scientist for a Day Fall 2009 Essay Contest is currently underway. To celebrate the International Year of Astronomy, this 8th edition of the contest is open to all nations and educational organizations. Each country and/or educational organization is encouraged to run the contest either following our guidelines or customizing them to fit their needs.
In the US, students in grades 5-12 may enter with a fast approaching entry deadline of September 30, 2009, at noon Pacific Time. All essays will be evaluated by Cassini scientists, flight team members, and educators. Winning essays will be selected for each target. Outside the US, sponsoring organizations are tasked to select a deadline, collect and judge the essays, and to send the winning entries to the Cassini Outreach Team. Winners and their classmates will be invited to participate in a web-based videoconference with Cassini scientists.
The actual observation for this contest is scheduled for October 11. The Science Planning team designed three possible observation opportunities. Target number 1 is Saturn and its rings. Number 2 is Tethys with Saturn’s rings, and number 3 is Titan. For more information link to: http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/education/scientistforaday8thedition/
Thursday, Sept. 17 (DOY 260):
On the Cassini Website, under News & Features, one can find a link to the Cassini Science League. Launched in August of this year, the League endeavors to share with the public more of the large and diverse volume of science generated by the scientists on the Cassini mission. Each Science League entry will highlight a science paper
