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29 April 2003

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Free Public Lectures at the National Air and Space Museum
Tickets/Reservations are required.  See below for instructions.

Wednesday, May 7, 2003
2003 Exploring Space Lecture Series presents
The 2003 Mars Exploration Rovers:  Field Geologists on Mars with
Dr. John Grant

In the spring of 2003, twin Mars Exploration Rovers will be launched
to the 'red planet,' marking the start of a journey to return to
Mars.  The two rovers will bounce to a stop on Mars in January, 2004,
and begin dual 90-day odysseys over the planet's terrain.  Equipped
with numerous instruments, ranging from a stereo-mounted camera to a
microscopic imager, the rovers will traverse the surface and serve as
remote 'field geologists.'  Dr. John Grant will discuss the mission
and its science goals, and review the varied landing sites that await
the intrepid rovers. This is the third lecture in this four-part
series.

Dr. Grant is a Geologist at the National Air and Space Museum's
Center for Earth and Planetary Studies, and Co-chair of the Mars
Landing Site Steering Committee, and a science team member on the
2003 mission.
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Thursday, May 22, 2003
The Charles A. Lindbergh Memorial Lecture presents
Rediscovering the Wright Brothers with
   Stephen Wright, great-grandnephew of Wilbur and Orville
   Rick Young, historian and builder of Wright aircraft
   Peter L. Jakab, chairman of the museum's Aeronautics division
   Tom D. Crouch, senior curator and Wright biographer

This lecture will mark the centennial of powered flight with four
uniquely qualified speakers who will offer distinct perspectives on
Wilbur and Orville Wright and their remarkable achievement.  From a
look at the Wright family's Ohio roots with personal reflections from
Stephen Wright, to a discussion of the first airplane and Rick
Young's efforts to bring the brothers' designs back to life.

Following the lecture, Peter Jakab and Tom Crouch will sign copies
of 'The Wright Brothers and the Invention of the Aerial Age,' the
companion book to the museum's upcoming exhibition.
____________________________________
Thursday, June 5, 2003
2003 Exploring Space Lecture Series presents
Lessons from Mars for Life on Earth with
Dr. D.E. Brownlee

When Percival Lowell trained his telescope on Mars, he believed the
small planet was evolving to a state where it would ultimately lose
its ability to support life.  He saw the decline of Mars,
particularly the loss of what he viewed as oceans, as a prelude to
what was happening at a slower rate on Earth.  He considered Mars a
window into our future.  A century later we still see Mars as a
fascinating source of information about the workings and long term
habitability of Earth-like planets.  To conclude the Mars Revealed
series, Dr. Donald Brownlee discusses perspectives that Mars can give
us about Earth, including a look into our planet's past when it was
lifeless and exposed to impacts from space.  Mars can also offer
insights into why Earth has been more successful at sustaining life,
as well as a vision of our future should Earth's oceans disappear.

Dr. Brownlee is Professor of Astronomy at the University of
Washington and Principal Investigator on the Stardust comet sample
return mission. 

National Air and Space Museum lectures are free, but tickets are
required. Three ways to get tickets:
    Tickets can be reserved by calling 202-633-2398 or emailing
    jdestefano{at}nasm.si.edu.  Reserved tickets must be picked up
    between 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. the evening of the lecture at the
    museum's information desk.
    Tickets are available at the Lockheed Martin IMAX Theater box
    office during museum hours.
    Tickets can be obtained through Tickets.com by calling (800)
    529-2440 or visiting their Web site at www.tickets.com. There is
    a small service fee on all Tickets.com orders.

Please email jdestefano{at}nasm.si.edu or call 202-633-2398 with
questions.. For more information visit the museum's website at
www.nasm.si.edu

The National Air and Space Museum is located at 6th Street and
Independence Avenue, SW.  Please come to the Independence Avenue side
doors for admittance to lectures.

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