NASA has teamed up with Foursquare to introduce Curiosity rover-themed badges. Users can earn these badges by checking into science-related destinations frequently.
Users must like NASA on Foursquare to earn the Curiosity Explorer badge, and check in at a NASA visitor center or other places categorized as a science museum or planetarium. The launch of the badge comes after the October check-in on Mars by NASA’s Curiosity rover, which was dubbed as the first check-in on another planet. Since landing on the planet in August, the Curiosity rover has been extensively promoted on social media, especially Twitter and Facebook.
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.”
“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,” says NASA in a blog post.
“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.”