JPL Open House Announced

Jet Propulsion Laboratory News Release

2007 April 30

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., invites the public on a "Journey To the Planets and Beyond." The laboratory will open its doors during its annual Open House on Saturday and Sunday, May 19 and 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visitors will learn about JPL's exciting space missions and see robots in action. Scientists and engineers will also answer questions about the solar system, the universe and our home planet.

A giant balloon that may someday explore Venus will be on display in JPL's Spacecraft Assembly Facility, the clean room where spacecraft and instruments are built.

Visitors can see unique 3-D images from space, including stereoscopic views of the sun, and view movies highlighting current and upcoming JPL missions. At the Robo-Dome, a pair of 700-pound robots will glide in a high-tech arena under artificial stars, while the Saturn Moonwalk will display the ringed planet's vast system of unique moons.

JPL Open House will offer lots of fun activities for kids of all ages who want to learn more about science and technology. Kids can get rolled over by a mechanical Mars rover, fly in outer space and view the sun with high-powered telescopes.

Admission is free and reservations are not required. No backpacks or ice chests are allowed; visitors may bring small purses and diaper bags. Visitors, vehicles and personal belongings are subject to inspection. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, along with space souvenirs and JPL and NASA merchandise. Vendors will only accept cash. ATMs will be available.

JPL is located at 4800 Oak Grove Drive. Exit the 210 (Foothill) Freeway at the Berkshire Avenue/Oak Grove Drive exit in La Canada-Flintridge. Parking is available near the Oak Grove Drive main gate and on the eastern boundary of JPL, accessible from Windsor Avenue via the Arroyo Boulevard exit off the 210 Freeway. Buses and tour guides will move people between different locations around the facility. Walking is required to some locations. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

More information is available at http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/pso/oh.cfm or by calling 818-354-0112. Directions are available at http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/about_JPL/directions.cfm.

This story was originally titled "JPL Open House Takes Visitors on a Journey to the Planets and Beyond".

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