The Gemini Planet Imager: Worlds Made Visible

Principal Investigator and physicist Bruce Macintosh joins astronomer Franck Marchis to celebrate first light from the most powerful instrument for imaging exoplanets. Emily Lakdawalla reveals the polar vortices throughout our solar system. Bill Nye eyes the beautiful new images from China’s lunar rover. Jupiter ascends in Bruce Betts' weekly What’s Up report that also has another Year In Space wall calendar for the winner of the space trivia contest.

Related Links

• Gemini Planet Imager First Light
• Emily Lakdawalla: Polar Vortices Across the Solar System
• Emily Lakdawalla: Finally, Some High-Quality Photos From Chang'e 3

Trivia Contest

This week's prize is the 2014 Year In Space Wall Calendar!

This week's question:
What northern hemisphere constellation is best known for looking like the letter "W" or sometimes "M?"

To submit your answer:
Complete the contest entry form at http:planetary.org/radiocontest or write to us at [email protected] no later than Monday, January 20, at 2pm Pacific Time.  Be sure to include your name and mailing address.

Last week's question:
What was the first power tool specifically designed for space use in 1964, according to NASA?

Answer:
The answer will be revealed next week.

Question from the week before:
Who recorded the first observations that indicated Venus has phases like the Moon?

Answer:
It was good old Galileo Galilei!