NASA has named two Iowans “solar system ambassadors” to help spread the word about the many exploratory projects underway in the deep recesses of space. Dave Kriegler of Council Bluffs is helping educate the public about the space agency’s efforts in the final frontier.Kriegler teaches physics and astronomy at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs. As part of his ambassador duties, he says he’s required to give at least four talks a year on the various NASA spacecraft that are exploring deep space and other planets in our solar system.Kriegler says he’s finding many eager audiences whenever and wherever he speaks. He says this is his fourth year as a solar system ambassador for NASA. The program came about after the space agency leaders decided five-percent of the budget of every project should be spent on outreach.Iowa’s other ambassador is Elwynn Taylor, of Ames. Kriegler says people who are interested in learning more about space exploration should contact an ambassador via email and see about arranging a lecture. Surf to “www.jpl.nasa.gov/ambassador” for their email addresses.
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