From my friend, with her permission:
If we go, we want to see Stardust-NeXT, which just finished its comet-
visiting mission, see http://stardustnext.jpl.nasa.
We always go see the Mars rovers (there is one that is about ready to
be shipped to the Cape to prepare for launch, don't know if they are
letting the public see that one but there are others).
We also always go see Cassini http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/
We go see the robot wars/battle bots/whatever they are calling them;
sometimes First Lego League but have been other groups.
Often we'll go see the Earth observation missions, just to see what
else they have figured out about our planet.
It's interesting to see what is happening with the holes in the ozone,
the carbon level in the atmosphere and the weather patterns.
We try to go see whatever is being built in the high bay, just because
it's interesting to see things being built.
We go to the store, just to see what they have, and often end up with
a DVD and/or a shirt or hat.
Sometimes we just look around to see where the lines are shorter!
For those who have not been --
* it's hot, bring some liquids or $$ to buy drinks (there are stands
and booths in the main quad, and a cafeteria-type place further up the
hill)
* bring a hat and sunscreen; you may want to bring a windbreaker or
sweater for the cold inside areas
* lots of walking required, and many stairs and hills if you venture
out of the main quad
* crowds are less first thing in the morning (9am), after noon it is
insanely crowded (think Disneyland in the middle of the summer, or the
Rose Parade route along Orange Grove on Jan 1st)
* you can drive north on Windsor St (Windsor/Arroyo exit from the 210)
to get to the back parking lot, but you will have to walk a fair
distance from there to get onto the campus
* no large bags are allowed including diaper bags, no backpacks, and
your bags will be searched before you enter
* if you or your family member needs accommodation (sight, hearing,
wheelchair etc) do ask a staff person, they are very helpful & have
resources
Finally, for those in the Pasadena-area, the marathon is happening on
Sunday, so some streets will be blocked. Go around via the 210 or go
north and travel across on Altadena Dr to avoid the blockages if you
can.
http://www.altadenablog.com/
From a JPL employee, friend of my friend above, and with permission to share:
> http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/
> JPL Open House
>
> Come early, take your time.
> Please note all bags are subject to search. I smile and work with
> security. They are there for your safety. And you will get your Open
> House map and start your adventure!
>
> When lines are too long, head to the robots in the south part of the
> lab (area 17 of your Open House map). They will have some really
> cool robots out running. The Mars area (area 8) is in the main area
> as you walk in from Oak Grove Drive. Truly amazing stuff.
>
> My area is Solar System Missions (area 21), to be found in what
> JPL'rs call the 303 cafeteria building. We set up Friday. We are
> staffing all day Sat and Sun.
> At 5PM Sunday, my crew breaks everything down, puts it away, and it
> reopens at 7AM for breakfast on Monday.
>
> #1 Question: What must I see? Depends on your interests, but do
> visit Mars (#8) and Mobility Systems (#17) and Solar System
> Missions (#21). The new Earth center is small but cool. Several
> missions have key events this year (launches and encounters) and
> the best from my perspective is to talk to the folks on the missions.
> #2 Question: What is there for kids? Again, it depends on the kid.
> My kids loved the spacecraft fabrication area (#16) where hardware
> is made. They loved the robots running around (area 17) 3D
> pictures always a hit...watching a video and sometimes just sitting.
>
> PASADENA, Calif. -- NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory invites the
> public to its annual Open House on Saturday, May 14, and Sunday, May
> 15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event, themed "The Excitement in
> Explorations," invites visitors to share in the wonders of space
> through high-definition and 3-D videos, live demonstrations,
> interactions with scientists and engineers, and a first look at
> JPL's new Earth Science Center.
>
> More info
> Dates: Saturday and Sunday, May 14 and 15, 2011
> Time: 9am-5pm both days
> Admission and parking are free
>
> This popular event celebrates JPL's accomplishments with exhibits
> and demonstrations about the Laboratory's ongoing research and space
> exploration. Many of the Lab's scientists and engineers are on hand
> to answer questions about how spacecraft are sent to other planets,
> how scientists utilize space technologies to explore Earth and how
> researchers are searching for planets beyond the solar system.
>
> The Open House is a fun and educational experience for children too,
> with special hands-on activities designed for kids. Admission and
> parking are free.
>
> The following items are not permitted at this NASA/JPL Event:
> weapons, explosives, incendiary devices, dangerous instruments,
> alcohol, illegal drugs, pets, segways, and all types of skates
> including skateboards. No bags, backpacks or ice chests are allowed,
> with the exception of small purses and diaper bags.
>
> Your entry on NASA/JPL property constitutes your agreement that you,
> your vehicles and your personal belongings are subject to inspection.
> JPL is located at 4800 Oak Grove Drive in Pasadena, off the 210
> (Foothill) Freeway at the Berkshire Avenue/Oak Grove Drive exit.
> Parking is available near the Oak Grove main gate and the eastern
> boundary of JPL, accessible from Windsor Avenue via the Arroyo
> Boulevard exit off the 210 Freeway.
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