NASA’s upcoming crewed mission to the Moon, Artemis III, is currently scheduled for 2026, marking humanity’s first return to the lunar surface in over 50 years and the first-ever visit to the lunar South Pole. During this mission, two crew members will descend to the Moon’s surface, near its South Pole, for approximately a week. The astronauts’ objectives will include conducting scientific research and performing a series of moonwalks.
Scientists Ryan Zeigler, Lunar Sample Curator at NASA, and Christine Shupla, responsible for scientific engagement at the non-profit Lunar Planetary Institute, will share the latest and greatest advancements in lunar research. They will share ideas on science education and literacy, and how we can make learning about lunar science accessible to all.
This event is organized in partnership with Ephémerides, the organization founded by French astrophysicist Fatoumata Kébé.
About the speakers:
Christine Shupla manages the Lunar Planetary Institute Science Engagement staff, with 16 years of experience in NASA’s planetary science education community and 15 years of experience in informal science education. She also leads the Lunar Planetary Institute’s scientist engagement efforts, providing professional development and resources to assist planetary scientists in their efforts to share their science with public audiences.
Ryan Zeigler is NASA’s Lunar Sample Curator in the Astromaterials Acquisition and Curation Office of the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Division at the Johnson Space Center. The principal focus of Ryan Zeigler’s research is the geochemistry and petrography of lunar samples to better understand how the Moon formed, how it differentiated and how impacts have subsequently altered its surface.
