The Mission Objectives of the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) are to advance the Vision for Space Exploration (VSE) by confirming the presence or absence of water ice in a permanently shadowed crater at either the Moon’s North or South Pole. The identification of water is very important to the future of human activities on the Moon. LCROSS will blast the permanently dark floor of one of the Moon’s polar craters with two heavy impactors early in 2009 to test the theory that ancient ice lies buried there. The impact will cause ejecta to create a plume that specialized instruments will be able to analyze for the presence of water (ice and vapor), hydrocarbons and hydrated materials. The LCROSS Project is also coordinating an observation campaign and we will also discuss details regarding observing opportunities associated with LCROSS.

Brian Day - Software Developer, Stargazer, Eclipse Chaser

Brian is the Education and Public Outreach Lead for LCROSS. 

"I am a long-time astronomy enthusiast. Currently, I serve on the Board of Directors of the Peninsula Astronomical Society, and am the former Chairman of the Foothill College Observatory after 16 years in that role. Since the 1991 total solar eclipse in Baja, I've caught the eclipse bug, and now make a point of traveling to remote corners of the world for the chance to stand in the moon's shadow.

Astronomy (the world's second-oldest profession) has been a long-time passion for me. As a kid, I learned my way around the sky with my first small telescopes. While studying astronomy at UCLA, I worked as research assistant for Dr. Bruce Margon, conducting a photometric study of the BL Lacertae Object Mkn 421.

As former Foothill Observatory Chairman, I conducted and coordinated the weekly public programs at the observatory, conducted training on the observatory equipment, and managed the outstanding staff of P.A.S. volunteers at the observatory.

My other interists include photography, volcanology (I've seen 4 eruptions to date), wine, skiing, hiking, and just about everything else."

Brian is a frequent speaker at schools, social clubs, etc., talking about the Internet, eclipses, or astronomy in general.