NASA plans Sun-Earth Day webcast

WASHINGTON, March 18 (UPI) -- U.S. space agency scientists say they will reveal new information and images about the sun and its influence on Earth in observance of Sun-Earth Day.

Sun-Earth Day, recognized each year in conjunction with the spring equinox, will be celebrated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's webcast beginning at 1 p.m. EDT Friday.

This year's theme -- "Our Sun, Yours to Discover" -- celebrates the International Year of Astronomy and emphasizes daytime astronomy.

"During the live, interactive event participants from around the world and NASA scientists will share new discoveries and visualizations about our sun," the space agency said.

Sun-Earth Day is a celebration of the sun and how it affects life on Earth and the space around the planet, known as geospace. NASA, which has sponsored events for Sun-Earth Day for nine years, said its goal is to use celestial events to engage the public and students via webcasts, podcasts, space science activities, demonstrations and interactions with space scientists.

NASA Television and the agency's Web site -- www.nasa.gov -- will broadcast the event live.