Buzz
NASA's cutting-edge Mars rover, Curiosity, is set to touch down on the Red Planet early Monday morning (or late Sunday night, depending on your location). The landing is planned for 05:31 UTC, which corresponds to 1:31am Eastern Time in the US or 10:31pm Pacific Time on Sunday evening. Due to the vast distance between Earth and Mars, there will be a 14-minute delay in receiving landing transmissions, adding an extra layer of suspense to the event.
Getting Ready for the Landing
Several former Star Trek stars have collaborated with NASA to create videos detailing Curiosity's mission and landing process. Since they're working from the same script, it's entertaining to see how each actor delivers their lines. Check out this version by Wil Wheaton:
And here's William Shatner's take:
Landing Celebrations
All the details about the launch, including a countdown timer and information on how to join "Landing Parties," can be found on GetCurious.com. If attending a physical event isn't possible, you can participate in a "Virtual Landing Party" through a Google+ Hangout, organized by Fraser Cain of Universe Today. The event will include special guests like "Bad Astronomer" Phil Plait, reporters from the Jet Propulsion Lab, and potentially even you!
The brilliant minds at io9 have compiled a comprehensive list of viewing options, highlighting events such as the Times Square broadcast in New York City, Planetfest in Pasadena (featuring Bill Nye!), and live coverage on NASA TV, among others.
Where Will You Watch?
Tell us your plans for the landing in the comments below. If you have a special Curiosity-related event or location, share it with us!
