JPL’s Phoenix Twitter earns award
NASA/JPL’s activities in social networking media were recognized Wednesday in New York, when the agency received an award for its presence on the popular website Twitter.
Known as the Shorty Award, it was created to honor the best producers of short content on Twitter during 2008. Updates on the Mars Phoenix Lander mission received the most votes in the science category from Twitter users.
The Mars Phoenix Twitter delivered more than 600 updates during the 152 days the lander was operating in the north polar region of Mars. By the end of the lander’s mission in early November, more than 38,000 people were following its reports, called “tweets.”
“We created the account, known as Mars Phoenix, last May with the goal of providing the public with near real-time updates on the mission,” said Veronica McGregor, manager of the news office at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and originator of the updates. “The response was incredible.”
Lanterman House to host mixer
“Our Budding Ballroom” is the theme of the Feb. 19 mixer of the LCF Chamber of Commerce, hosted by Lanterman House museum, 4420 Encinas Drive, La Cañada Flintridge.
Hours for the event are 5:30 to 8 p.m. and parking will be available in the La Cañada Congregational Church lot.
Catering will be provided by Karen Stattler, with bar refreshments served by the Lanterman House board.
Cost to attend is $8 for Chamber members; $12 for guests.
For more information call (818) 790-4289.
