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| Image Credit: Foursquare/NASA |
Washington: NASA and the mobile application Foursquare have teamed up to
help the public unlock its scientific curiosity with a new rover-themed
Curiosity Explorer badge.
Users of the
Foursquare social media platform can earn the badge by following NASA and
checking in at a NASA visitor center or venue categorized as a science museum
or planetarium. Upon earning the badge, users will see a special message on
Foursquare:
"Get out your
rock-vaporizing laser! You've explored your scientific curiosities just like
NASA's Curiosity rover on Mars. Stay curious and keep exploring. You never know
what you'll find."
The launch of the
badge follows the October check-in on Mars by NASA's Curiosity rover, which
marked the first check-in on another planet. Foursquare users can keep up with
Curiosity as the rover checks in at key locations and posts photos and tips,
all while exploring the Red Planet.
After landing in Gale
Crater in August, Curiosity began a 23-month mission that includes some of
Mars' most intriguing science destinations. The mission's main science
destination will be on Mount Sharp, a mountain about 3 miles (5 kilometers)
tall. First, Curiosity is investigating targets on flatter ground near the
mountain, seeking clues in the rocks and soil that would indicate whether Mars
ever was capable of supporting microbial life. It also is taking pictures of
the trip, beaming them back to Earth for all to share.
NASA has been on
Foursquare since 2010 through a strategic partnership with the platform. This
partnership, launched with astronaut Doug Wheelock's first-ever check-in from
the International Space Station, has allowed users to connect with NASA, and
enabled them to explore the universe and rediscover Earth.
The partnership
launched the now-expired NASA Explorer badge for Foursquare users, which
encouraged them to explore NASA-related locations across the country. It also
included the launch of a NASA Foursquare page, where the agency continues to
provide official tips and information about the nation's space program.