We have been accepted for another year of Saturn fun!

Dear member,

Welcome to the Saturn Observation Campaign! This program, designed to engage the public in the wonder of Saturn exploration, is sponsored by NASA's Cassini Mission. The Cassini spacecraft will arrive at Saturn 1 July 2004 where it will begin a 4-year tour of the Saturn system.

The goal of the Saturn Observation Campaign (SOC) is to link amateur astronomers and astronomy groups with youth groups, school, and public in local communities. Using the SOC web site as your center of operation, you will be able to plan observing parties and events, post announcements for your events, post your photos of Saturn, and link up with other SOC members, Solar System Ambassadors, and Solar System Educators in your area. In addition, we will maintain a web page dedicated to you, our SOC members so that other folks in your local community can contact you directly about your Saturn observing events.

The SOC web site contains a wealth of resources for you. These resources include:

… Posted time periods when Saturn will be visible in the night sky
… Tips for planetary observing
… Student lesson activities for students, teachers, and youth groups
… Tips on how to locate Saturn in the night sky
… "My Saturn Experiences" - a place for everyone to post their personal stories of viewing Saturn
… Saturn Photo posting location where you can show off your astrophotography efforts
… A series of files intended to facilitate your event planning and reporting
… "Meet the Observers" where interested teachers, youth leaders, and civic groups can locate you in their local community
… Contact information

This web site is dynamic and the content will evolve with the program.

Your primary points of contact for program participation will be the web site and the program facilitator.

In addition to the resources available to you on the SOC site, you can collect information from our main web site at www.saturn.jpl.nasa.gov

The main web site maintains a list of education and public products which you may order. Some can be secured through the Cassini Mission Outreach Office by sending me email or a letter. Other products such as our videos and slide sets can be ordered directly through our vendors. Contact information is on the product page of the web site.

The gallery section of the main website has images available to enhance your fliers and presentations. You may also download powerpoint presentations and order slide sets.

Please also note that the Kids Space section of the Cassini website is chocked full of interactive ideas for students as well as youth leaders.

We are excited about this program and welcome you enthusiastically into the SOC.