Comet Bennet was discovered Dec. 28, 1969 by John Caister Bennett in Pretoria, South Africa. It was widely visible by April 1970 and was slated to be photographed April 14 from Apollo 13, but a critical malfunction in the spacecraft prevented the crew from taking the photos. Courtesy/britastro.org
NMMSH News:
ALAMOGORDO – From early effects on world history to intergalactic interlopers, take a fascinating look at the sometimes terrifying but always beautiful and fascinating world of comets.
Harbingers of doom in the past, comets today provide a fascinating look into the early days of the formation of our solar system as well as a glimpse into the deep, cold and unknown regions of our own galaxy and beyond.
The New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo is hosting its first Launch Pad Lecture of the new year, Comets: Nomads of the Solar System, at 9 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, on the museum’s first floor.
The Launch Pad Lecture is free to the public and is held at 9 a.m. the first Friday of each month on the Museum’s first floor. Coffee and donuts are compliments of the International Space Hall of Fame Foundation. The next Launch Pad Lecture will be Feb. 7, and the subject will be the 90th Anniversary of the discovery of Pluto. A special guest speaker is pending.
The Launch Pad Lectures are streamed live on Periscope and are also available after the lecture on the museum’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2SirhgX3NsxcREfOVLjHeA.
The New Mexico Museum of Space History, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is a division of the NM Department of Cultural Affairs. For more information, call 575.437.2840 or toll free 1.877.333.6589 or visit the website at www.nmspacemuseum.org. Like us at: www.facebook.com/NMSpaceMuseum/
About the New Mexico Museum of Space History: www.nmspacemuseum.org
The New Mexico Museum of Space History in Alamogordo is a division of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, under the leadership of the Governor’s Commission to the New Mexico Museum of Space History. Programs and exhibits are supported by the International Space Hall of Fame Foundation through the generous support of donors.
Dedicated Oct. 5, 1976, as the International Space Hall of Fame, the New Mexico Museum of Space History’s mission is to inspire and educate, to promote and preserve, and to honor the pioneers of space exploration.
A Smithsonian Affiliate, the museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), and stresses the significant role that the state of New Mexico has played in the development of the U.S. Space Program through collecting, preserving, and interpreting significant artifacts relevant to the history of space. The museum campus facility includes: the Museum of Space History, International Space Hall of Fame, John P. Stapp Air & Space Park, Daisy Track, Clyde W. Tombaugh Education Center, New Horizons Dome Theater and Planetarium, Astronaut Memorial Garden, Hubbard Space Science Research Building, and Museum Support Center.
3198 State Route 2001 | Alamogordo, NM 88310 (Mailing: PO Box 5430, Alamogordo, NM 88311-5430) For more information: 575.437.2840 or toll free 1.877.333.6589. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday (closed Tuesday), closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Events, news releases and images about activities at the New Mexico Museum of Space History and other divisions in the Department of Cultural Affairs can be accessed at www.media.newmexicoculture.org.
