Dr. Bell Goes to Washington

Planetary Scientist Jim Bell of Arizona State University joined other experts in front of the US House of Representatives Space Committee on September 10th. Get his report this week. Emily Lakdawalla answers a big question about the Curiosity Mars rover’s destination. Bill Nye says keep future attention on collecting samples of Mars for later return to Earth. Bruce Betts has found the end of the rainbow on a distant moon called Ariel.

Related Links:

• Video of the September 10, 2014 US House of Representatives Space Sub-Committee Hearing
• Graph: NASA's Planetary Science Division Funding and Number of Missions 2003 – 2019
• Political Advocacy—Save Our Science!
• Curiosity Update, Sols 727-747: Beginning the "Mission to Mount Sharp"

This week's prize is a Planetary Radio v2.1 T-shirt.

This week's question:

What country’s goodwill moon rock was stolen but returned in 2003 after it was recovered by a U.S. sting operation?

To submit your answer:

Complete the contest entry form at http://planetary.org/radiocontest or write to us at [email protected] no later than Tuesday, September 23, at 8am Pacific Time. Be sure to include your name and mailing address.

Last week's question:

What star has the largest proper motion?

Answer:

The answer will be revealed next week.

Question from the week before:

Where in the solar system is Leprechaun Valles?

Answer:

Leprechaun Valles is on Ariel, moon of Uranus.