The MESSENGER spacecraft is on its way to orbit Mercury, a planet of extremes. Mercury has the greatest temperature variation, the highest density, and the most Earth-like magnetosphere of any planet. Despite Mercury often being the closest planet to Earth, very little was known about it because it is very difficult to observe and study. It has taken 30 years to mount an orbital mission to this terrestrial planet. MESSENGER has already flown by the planet twice. It has revealed exciting new information about Mercury's structure and the geological processes that have shaped it. This lecture will cover the challenges of developing a spacecraft to deal with the extreme environment at Mercury and show some of the amazing scientific results from the MESSENGER flybys.

All programs begin at 7:30 pm in Kanbar Hall at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, 3200 California Street (at Presidio Avenue). Tickets are $5 in advance by mail or at the door. Please e-mail any questions to deanseries@calacademy.org or call (415)379-8000.

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