[NMScience] Participate in the Albedo Project on May 22

[Connealy, Selena, DCA]

Please spread the word about this global science experiment!

The Albedo Project
Looking for white sheets!
albedo (pronounced: al-BEE-doh)   the proportion of the incident light
or
radiation that is reflected by a surface, typically that of a planet or
moon; [from Latin albus 'white']

The New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science is joining other
science institutions worldwide in a science experiment coordinated by
the
Association of Science and Technology Centers.  On May 22, 2008 Museum
staff
(and hopefully a group of students) will go to Tiguex park and make a 50
ft
x 50 ft square of white on the green soccer field.  Two NASA satellites
will
be put into action to record images from Australia to Finland.  These
will
be compared with images taken a year before.  A measurement of the
amount of
light reflected by these artificial white spots may help us understand
the
role of albedo on Earth.  During this, the International Polar Year, we
are
helping to bring attention and understanding to the role of melting
polar
ice caps.  The icy, snowy white poles reflect the sun's rays more than
other
ground cover on Earth. Melting of the polar caps compounds warmer
temperatures on Earth.  The experiment will illustrate the importance of
maintaining polar ice caps.

Thursday, May 22 at 11:34 am Mountain Daylight time and 12:02 pm
Mountain Daylight time the satellites will fly over Albuquerque.

We would like your participation!
- Arrive at Tiguex Park at 10:30 am.  In the soccer field near 18th and
Mountain Rd.
- Bring: white sheets or drop cloths, or any large white/light colored
fabric items
- Wear light colored clothing to make the area as light as possible
- Also bring hat, sunscreen, water (and lunch if you'd like to picnic)

We'll set-up in time for the satellite arrival time!
We will have some activities to do at the park as well.

Call or email with questions or your confirmation of coming!

Please contact:
Tish Morris
Senior Education Specialist
New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science
1801 Mountain Rd NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
505-841-2882
tish.morris at state.nm.us
www.NMnaturalhistory.org 


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