Janet Wood NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador Why Explore Space?

Janet Wood NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador Tulare County, California Janet Wood is a Solar System Ambassador, one of a nationwide network of more than 300 volunteers coordinated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The ambassadors present public programs about space exploration. Janet's enthusiasm for the space program is contagious. Her academic qualifications include an M.S., Geoscience Education, Mississippi State University. She is the webmaster of the website, Io - Jupiter's Volcanic Moon. Janet is available to make presentations to community groups and schools throughout Tulare and Kings County, California. Here is a listing of programs she is available to present. Available Programs Views of the Solar System Eight planets orbit our Sun and each one is unique. Over the past four decades, all have been explored by spacecraft. This presentation provides an overview of the various missions to each of the planets and provides information about the discoveries that have been made. Mysterious Moons Earth's Moon is a familiar sight in the night sky but it is just one of scores of moons that revolve around planets in our solar system. From the fiery volcanoes of Jupiter's volcanic moon Io to the methane seas of Saturn's largest moon, Titan, this program presents an array of fascinating images of the many moons of our solar system. Mars the Continuing Quest For millennia, Mars has been a source of fascination for humankind. The most similar of all the other planets to Earth, Mars has mountains, canyons, shield volcanoes, and dry river beds as well as clouds, winds, and seasons. You will learn how all these features on Mars compare with those of Earth. This presentation describes the discoveries made by past missions to Mars such as Mars Pathfinder and Mars Global Surveyor, and describes current and future missions such as 2001 Mars Odyssey, and findings of the Mars Exploration Rovers and Mars Reconnaisance Orbiter missions which are currently underway. A Celebration of Stars The night sky has been a source of fascination for people for millenia, and from humankind's earliest beginnings images and records have been found that reflect a desire to understand and map the heavens. This program offers a brief history of astronomy and shares with viewers some of the latest images of the Universe through the eyes of the Hubble, Spitzer, Galex, and Chandra telescopes. Volcanoes of the Solar System There is no force in nature as awesome and powerful as a volcanic eruption. but volcanic activity is not unique to Earth. This program highlights volcanism on Earth and explores other moons and planets in the solar system which have also been shaped by volcanic activity. Fascinating discoveries made by the Voyager, Galileo, Mars Global Surveyor, and other missions will be discussed. The Many Faces of the Sun The Sun is the ultimate source of light and life on Earth. This presentation examines features of the Sun that have been revealed in x-ray, ultraviolet, and visible light, such as magnetic field loops, coronal holes, solar flares, and prominences. The program also includes a discussion of the various missions that study the Sun including Genesis, SOHO, TRACE, ULYSSES, and Yohkoh. On May 17, 2003 Janet was a volunteer at JPL's annual open house. View Photos. Contact information: Janet Wood NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador email: webmaster@planetaryexploration.net Last Updated: 3/4/11 Home | Upcoming Programs | Io - Jupiter's Volcanic Moon | Why Explore Space?