Lunar science
with a NASA scientist

Limited availability - starts Fall 2024

Why should you be interested?

This course will help you learn how to measure and understand the worlds beyond Earth, starting with the Moon. With NASA's intent to establish a sustained presence on the Moon, new geospatial applications related to the Moon are taking off across the globe! However, a recent report shows a severe shortage of experts in this field, particularly in the United States.

This course is my initiative to help steer the spacecraft in the right direction for the future by training the next generation of lunar and planetary scientists early in their careers. At present, this course is designed for high school students (grade 9 and above). If you plan on pursuing a career in this field or are a curious cat, you have come to the right place at the right time.

Ad Astra!

Course highlights

Lunar geodesy

Learn more about how an experiment from the 1960s paved the foundations of high-precision tracking of the Moon's orbit, orientation and tides.

Lunar gravity science

Learn about how NASA mapped the Moon's gravity field to an unprecedented accuracy and what we learnt about the Moon from it.

Dive into the research

Deconstruct the elements of a research paper and learn how science at NASA is communicated from researchers to the public.

and more!

Instructed by
Dr. Vishnu Viswanathan

Dr. Viswanathan is a research scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and founded the Goddard Lunar Data Analysis Center. He specializes in the precise modeling of physical systems using advanced tracking data. With experience in major projects across Asia, Europe, and North America, he reviews for top scientific journals and advises on NASA grants. Known for his clear communication, Dr. Viswanathan enjoys inspiring students to pursue STEM careers, particularly in space sciences.

Click here to see his full CV.

Lunar science with a NASA scientist