NASA is teaming-up with location-based service Gowalla in an effort to “bring users one small step closer to the universe.” Under the deal, NASA-related information and virtual items will populate Gowalla — among the virtual items that will be included are moon rocks, a NASA patch, a spacesuit and a space shuttle.
Gowalla users who virtually “check-in” at NASA-related venues and places of discovery via their smartphone have a chance to find the virtual items which then can be swapped for other items, dropped in locations or kept in their vault. And if you collect three items, you will receive a special pin in your Gowalla Passport. Additionally, the first 100 people to collect three items will win the special edition NASA+Gowalla Map: Search for the Moon Rocks.
Moreover, NASA’s astronaut (Mike Massimino) also will drop virtual items for users to find and collect throughout the nation.
And in case you wonder where you can find the virtual items mentioned above, here are some hints:
- Virtual moon rocks could be found at any location where a real one is on display.
- Virtual NASA patch, spacesuit and space shuttles are at NASA’s visitor centers, agency-related locations, or one of the more than 400 places that are part of NASA’s Museum Alliance.
So if you’re into Gowalla badges, go for it – there is couple more to add to your vault. Good luck.