Lunar Science Conference

The NSLI Lunar Science Conference, co-sponsored by the NASA Lunar Science Institute and the Lunar and Planetary Institute, will be held July 20–23, 2008, at the NASA Ames Conference Center, adjacent to NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California.

The conference will review the state of knowledge of and opportunities for science:
Of the Moon: Study the nature and history of the Moon (including research on lunar samples) to learn about this specific object and thereby provide insights into the evolution of our solar system;
On the Moon: Investigate the effects of the lunar environment on terrestrial life and the equipment that support lunar inhabitants, and the effects of robotic and human presence on the lunar environment;
From the Moon: Use the Moon as a platform for performing scientific investigations, including observations of the Earth and other celestial phenomena.

Sessions will be structured to report on recent results and anticipate future opportunities for lunar science as well as to provide a venue for broad community interests. Abstracts on elements of education and public outreach are encouraged to better understand how lunar exploration can be used to stimulate public interest in space exploration and improve science literacy. An announcement with a call for abstracts, registration form, and logistical information is posted on the Lunar and Planetary Institute website .

The Call for Papers emphasizes the following science questions:
How did the Moon form and how did its interior structure arise?
How has the impact history of the Earth-Moon system been recorded on the lunar surface?
How have volcanic process on the Moon been initiated over lunar history and how do the volcanic flows reflect the interior composition?
How have solar processes and space weather altered the lunar surface over time and been recorded in the lunar regolith?
How will the lunar environment (e.g., dust) affect surface operations and influence designs for living on the Moon?
What are the environmental conditions and the volatile content of the lunar poles?
How will increased human activities alter the lunar environment?
How can life from Earth adapt to long stays on the Moon?
How can the Moon be used as a platform to advance important science goals in astronomy, Earth observation, and basic physics?

Abstract Submission
Linda Tanner
Lunar and Planetary Institute
tanner@lpi.usra.edu
281-486-2142