For the first time, @NASA and @NASA_Ames Twitter followers are invited to learn about planetary discoveries by NASA's Kepler spacecraft, the science flights by NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) aircraft and get behind-the-scenes access to NASA’s research center in the heart of California's Silicon Valley.

NASA will host a Tweetup for 100 people on Feb. 11, 2011 – the Kepler mission’s halfway mark - at NASA's Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California.

The event will provide NASA Twitter followers the opportunity to speak with scientists and center leadership. The Tweetup will include a "meet and greet" session to allow participants to mingle with fellow Tweeps and some of the Ames staff behind the tweets on @NASA, @NASA_Ames, @NASAKepler, @SOFIAtelescope, @NASA_OOREOS, @IceBridge and more!

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What is a Tweetup?
A Tweetup is an informal meeting of people who use the social messaging medium Twitter. This Tweetup is an opportunity at NASA's Ames Research Center in California.

How do I register?
Registration opens at 10 a.m. PST / 1 p.m. EST on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011, on this page. It closes at 10 a.m. PST / 1 p.m. EST on Monday, Jan. 10. NASA will accommodate 100 active tweeps randomly selected from those who sign up online. Additional registrants will be placed on a waiting list.

Do I need to have a Twitter account to register?
Yes. This event is designed for Twitter users who follow @NASA, @NASATweetup and other NASA Twitter accounts. The goal of NASA Tweetups is to allow people who regularly interact with each other via Twitter to meet in person and discuss one of their favorite subjects: NASA.

If you are not familiar with Twitter or a regular user of Twitter and want to visit NASA, the NASA Ames Exploration Center at Moffett Field is free and open to the public regularly.

The Twitter account for the Tweetup is @NASATweetup, and the hashtag is #NASATweetup. We'll use both to post updates and reminders about the event.

What are the registration requirements?
By registering, you indicate you intend to travel to NASA's Ames Research Center in California and attend the event in person. You are responsible for your own expenses for travel, accommodation, food and other amenities.

Ames is a government facility. To be admitted, you will need to show a government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport, which matches the name provided on the Tweetup registration. Those without proper identification cannot be admitted. All registrants must be at least 18 years old.

Can I register if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, non-U.S. citizens may register to attend the Tweetup. However, you will need to complete an additional step to receive clearance to enter the secure areas at Ames, involving time-sensitive paperwork which must be completed and returned by a specified date before the event Please choose the "non-U.S. citizen" option in the State drop-down menu during registration. On-site, you will need to show government-issued photo identification, such as a passport, which matches the name provided on the Tweetup registration. Those without proper identification cannot be admitted. All registrants must be at least 18 years old.

Does my registration include a guest?
Because of space limitations, you may not bring a guest. Each registration provides a place for only one person. Each individual wishing to attend must register separately.

If I went to a previous NASA Tweetup, can I register to attend this one?
Yes.

What if I cannot come to California?
If you cannot make it to California, don't despair -- NASA is planning other Tweetups in the near future at various agency locations. You do not need to register for this Tweetup to follow along via Web coverage, including tweets and live streaming. NASA also will provide Tweetup updates on @NASA_Ames.

When will I know if I am on the guest list?
After NASA receives and processes the registrations, an e-mail with confirmation information and additional instructions will be sent to those selected and those on the waitlist. We expect to send notifications by Jan. 11 or sooner.

Have a question not answered here? Need more information? Help is available by sending an email to HQ-twitter@mail.nasa.gov.

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