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Space / Astronomy: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Earth Globe
Earth Globe 11/20/1998
NASA Spitzer Shares The Wealth
Like a philanthropist donating a prized collection to a museum, NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope has opened a virtual vault rich with scientific data. The Spitzer Science Archive now provides astronomers access to the infrared telescope's data well before the mission's one-year anniversary in space. NASA Spitzer Shares The Wealth - Spitzer Space Telescope Image.
V838 Monocerotis
Space Phenomenon Imitates Art in Universe's Version of van Gogh Painting - V838 Monocerotis. Starry Night, Vincent van Gogh's famous painting, is renowned for its bold whorls of light sweeping across a raging night sky. Although this image of the heavens came only from the artist's restless imagination, a new picture from Hubble Space Telescope bears remarkable similarities to the van Gogh work, complete with never-seen spirals of dust swirling across trillions of miles of interstellar space.
Earth Pictures - A Growing Collection of Earth Pictures
Earth Pictures Earth Pictures. All images © NASA. Used by permission. Return to Solar System Tou
Visual Tour of Solar System
Take a Visual Solar System Tour with us. Blast off to discover information on the sun and planets in our solar system. Learn more about our galactic neighborhood, our solar system. The Sun
Neil Armstrong Biography
Born on August 5, 1930 on his grandparents’ farm in Auglaize County, Ohio, Neil Armstrong was the eldest of three children of Stephen and Viola Engel Armstrong. Neil Armstrong worked at numerous jobs around town and at the nearby airport so he could start taking flying lessons at the age of 15 and on his 16th birthday he was issued a pilot's license. Neil Armstrong became the first man on the moon on July 20, 1969 durin the Apollo 11 mission.
Shuttle Challenger Disaster
When the Challenger disaster occurred, it exploded killing all aboard, it shocked the nation, started a NASA investigation, and led to many changes in the shuttle program. Here, we look back at the Challenger disaster to see what happened. Most of us remember where we were when we learned of the Challenger disaster.
Mars - Pictures and Astronomy Facts
Mars ** Check out these images from the Mars Rovers: Spirit and Opportunity.** Images of the planet Mars.
Free Astronomy and Space Posters - Printable Astronomy and Space Posters
Print these free astronomy and space posters from your home computer to create your own astronomy and space posters.
Stonehenge Monument
No one is really sure who built Stonehenge or why it was built. Early theories were that it was constructed by the Druids or even the Romans, but those theories were disproved in the 20th century, when it was shown that construction began on Stonehenge over 2,000 years before Celts, and later Romans, had even arrived in the area. Most people believe that Neolithic peoples of the British Isles started building the Stonehenge monument around 5,000 years ago.
30 Minute Rocket
You can make a 30 Minute Rocket with straws and a soda bottle. What you need: plastic soda pop bottle, one thin drinking straw, one thick drinking, straw, tape, clay, scissors, and copy or computer paper. Follow the instructions for the 30 Minute Rocket. Give the bottle a quick squeeze. You have an air bottle rocket!
Astronomy - Space Exploration Activity Book for Kids
About Astronomy and Space Activity Book Here's a fun activity book for young astronauts and astronomers
Black Holes - Hubble Space Telescope Images of Black Holes
Black Holes - Hubble Space Telescope Images of Black Holes
Solar System Tour
Astronomy Solar System Tour, an Astronomy Guide to Space exploration close to home. Discover information on planets in our solar system. Find pictures of objects in our solar system. Learn more about our galactic neighborhood, our solar system.
Constellation in a Canister
People have looked at the stars for many, many years. They could imagine pictures in stars. Those pictures are called constellations. After you do this activity, see if you can find the constellations in the night sky.
Top 10 Closest Stars
According to the About Astronomy and Space Online Dictionary, a star is a ball of mostly hydrogen and helium gas that shines extremely brightly. A star is so massive that its core is extremely dense and hot. At the high core temperatures of a star, atoms move so fast that they sometimes stick to other atoms when they collide with them, forming more massive atoms and releasing a great amount of energy. This process is known as nuclear fusion. Here are the Top 10 Closest Stars to our solar system.
Tsunami Damage in Indonesia - Pictures of Tsunami Damage in Indonesia - Earthquake Spawns Tsunami
Tsunami Damage in Indonesia Earthquake Spawns Tsunami ** NEW IMAGES FROM MELUABOH ** On December 26,
Earth from Apollo 8
This is how the Earth looked as photographed from a point near the Moon by the Apollo 8 astronauts. The Earth fills less than one percent of the frame exposed through 80mm lens. North is approximately vertical. Kinda lonely, isn't it?
About Astronomy - Space Sky Maps
About Astronomy - Space Sky Maps Plansipheres Powered By "Your Sky" Software, Written By John Walker
Full Earth
View of the Earth as seen by the Apollo 17 crew traveling toward the Moon. This translunar coast photograph extends from the Mediterranean Sea area to the Antarctica South polar ice cap. This is the first time the Apollo trajectory made it possible to photograph the South polar ice cap. Note the heavy cloud cover in the Southern Hemisphere. Almost the entire coastline of Africa is clearly visible.
New Asteroid Threat to Earth
New Asteroid Threat to Earth - Impact Potential in 2014. Although scientists have basically cleared us from any danger from asteroid 2002 NT7, which originally had been reported as an impact hazard for the year 2019, a newer space rock has been spotted. Has been called "an event meriting careful monitoring" by astronomers. If an impact does occur, it could be on March 21, 2014.
July 2008 Monthly Sky Guide
Learn what is happening in July 2008 and what has happened in July in the past. Discover highlights of the night sky and learn what to look for in July 2008.
Neil deGrasse Tyson Biography
Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson Biography. Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson is the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History and Visiting Research Scientist and Lecturer at Princeton University.
Sun - Pictures and Astronomy Facts
Sun Images of the planet Sun. All images © NASA. Used by permission. Return to Sun Galler
Asteroid On Collision Cours...
It appears that life may be imitating art. If you watched either of the 1998 movies Deep Impact or Armageddon, you may have an idea of the future that faces Earth.
Global View of the Arctic Ocea
NASA researchers have new insights into the mysteries of Arctic sea ice, thanks to the unique abilities of Canada's Radarsat satellite. The Arctic is the smallest of the world's four oceans, but it may play a large role in helping scientists monitor Earth's climate shifts. - Using Radarsat's special sensors to take images at night and to peer through clouds, NASA researchers can now see the complete ice cover of the Arctic.
Global Images of Earth
Global images of Earth from Galileo. In each frame, the continent of Antarctica is visible at the bottom of the globe. South America may be seen in the first frame (top left), the great Pacific Ocean in the second (bottom left), India at the top and Australia to the right in the third (top right), and Africa in the fourth (bottom right).
Earth Information
Earth - Pictures and Astronomy Facts - Solar System Planetary Astronomical Data & Pictures of Earth. Astronomy Guide to Space exploration close to home. Earth is the only planet whose name is not derived from Greek/Roman mythology. Earth comes from Old English and Germanic. In Roman Mythology, the goddess of the Earth was Tellus - the fertile soil, while the Greek goddes was Gaia, terra mater - Mother Earth. Detailed Information
Abrasive Collision Black Eye
Hubble Space Telescope Image - An Abrasive Collision Gives One Galaxy a "Black Eye". A collision of two galaxies has left a merged star system with an unusual appearance as well as bizarre internal motions. Messier 64 (M64) has a spectacular dark band of absorbing dust in front of the galaxy's bright nucleus, giving rise to its nicknames of the "Black Eye" or "Evil Eye" galaxy.
Astronomy 101 - Free Basic ...
Astronomy 101 - Free Basic Astronomy Course - Introduction
Earth and Moon as viewed from
This is the first image of Earth ever taken from another planet that actually shows our home as a planetary disk. Because Earth and the Moon are closer to the Sun than Mars, they exhibit phases, just as the Moon, Venus, and Mercury do when viewed from Earth. As seen from Mars by MGS on 8 May 2003 at 13:00 GMT (6:00 AM PDT), Earth and the Moon appeared in the evening sky.
Pluto - Pictures and Astronomy Facts
Pluto Images of the planet Pluto
Earthrise - Apollo 8
This view of the rising Earth greeted the Apollo 8 astronauts as they came from behind the Moon after the lunar orbit insertion burn. Earth is about five degrees above the horizon in the photo. The unnamed surface features in the foreground are near the eastern limb of the Moon as viewed from Earth. The lunar horizon is approximately 780 kilometers from the spacecraft. Width of the photographed area at the horizon is about 175 kilometers.
The Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory is the dominant scientific theory about the origin of the universe. According to the big bang theory, the universe was created sometime between 10 billion and 20 billion years ago from a cosmic explosion that hurled matter and in all directions. In 1927, the Belgian priest Georges Lemaître was the first to propose that the universe began with the explosion of a primeval atom.
Top Space Songs - Space Roc...
Discover the best in space music. Top ten rock - pop songs with a space theme including lyrics. These rock - pop songs including lyrics are all dedicated to the space age. Space music for the space enthusiast
Apollo 13
Apollo 13 was the 3rd scheduled lunar launch, carrying Jim Lovell, Fred Haize, & Jack Swigert to the moon. An explosion occurred, endangering the Apollo 13 Lunar Landing mission & astronauts Jim Lovell, Fred Haize, & Jack Swigert, the Apollo 13 space exploration mission became a race for survival. As NASA experts & contractors struggled to come up with solutions, the Apollo 13 astronauts; Jim Lovell, Fred Haize, & Jack Swigert; struggled to survive. The successful failure of space exploration.
Venus - Pictures and Astronomy Facts
Venus Images of the planet Venus. All images © NASA. Used by permission. Return to Solar System Tou
Planet Earth - 1995_02395l
Planet Earth 07/18/1995
Sun Information
The Sun - Pictures and Astronomy Facts - Solar System Planetary Astronomical Data & Pictures of The Sun. The Sun. Astronomy Guide to Space exploration close to home. Our Sun is actually the closest star to Earth. The Sun is a massive shining spheres of hot gas. It is by far the largest object in the solar system, and contains more than 99.8% of the total mass of the Solar System. Its strong gravitational pull holds Earth and the other planets in the solar system in orbit.
Astronomy Events
Astronomy Events - Discover Eclipses, Meteor Showers, Planetary Transits and Other Astronomy Events. This astronomy events calendar from your About Astronomy and Space Guide will be updated monthly to include new eclipses and meteor showers. Prepare to view an astronomical events such as meteor showers and eclipses. Enjoy astronomical fireworks from meteor showers and phenomena like eclipses.
aries
The Ram - Genitive: Arietis Abbreviations: Ari, Arie Right Ascension, (h): 3 Declination, (deg): 20N
Telescope Astronomy Basics
Discover the basics of telescope astronomy with this guide. Scopes come in three basic designs; Refractor, Reflector, and Catadioptric. Telescope astronomy is often the goal of many amateur astronomers. Learn this information before purchasing an instrument for telescope astronomy.
Earth - India and Australia
This color image of the Earth was obtained by the Galileo spacecraft on Dec. 11, 1990, when the spacecraft was about 1.5 million miles from the Earth. The color composite used images taken through the red, green and violet filters. India is near the top of the picture, and Australia is to the right of center. The white, sunlit continent of Antarctica is below. Picturesque weather fronts are visible in the South Pacific, lower right.
United States Astronomy Schools - Colleges and Universities With Astronomy Degree Programs in the US
United States Astronomy Schools Colleges and Universities With Astronomy Degree Programs in the US  
Mercury Information
Mercury - Pictures and Astronomy Facts - Solar System Planetary Astronomical Data and pictures of Mercury. Astronomy Guide to Space exploration close to home. Information on our solar system. Named after the Roman god of commerce, travel and thievery, Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun and the eighth largest. Mercury's existence has been known of since before the third century BC.
People I Would Like to Meet
Here is a list of the top 10 astronomy and space people I would like to meet and/or have dinner with. Unfortunately, it probably will not happen. Several names on my list are now dead and the odds are against my meeting the living members as well.
Brightest Stars
Stars are massive shining spheres of hot gas, the closest of which is our Sun. Stars are primarily made of hydrogen, smaller amounts of helium, and trace amounts of other elements. Even the most abundant of the other elements present in stars (oxygen, carbon, neon, and nitrogen) are only present in very small quantities. Those stars which you see with your naked eye in the night sky all belong to the Milky Way Galaxy, the huge system of stars that contains our solar system.
Space & Astronomy For Kids
Find information, pictures, links, & other astronomy & space related resources for kids. Have fun and learn as you explore the About Space Station, take a Solar System Tour, have fun with the Space & Astronomy Activity Book, watch NASA Television, check out some Sky Maps, Send a free Astronomy & Space Greeting Card, browse the Astronomy and Space Glossary, add an Astronomy & Space Computer Desktop Wallpaper, learn NASA Acronyms, join the SETI Team to help find life in the universe.
Visiting Johnson Space Center
Johnson Space Center Houston is a place where people can experience space -- from its dramatic history and exciting present to its compelling future. Johnson Space Center Houston is the only place on Earth that gives guests an out-of-this-world journey through human adventures into space.
Earth From Mars
This is the first image ever taken of Earth from the surface of a planet beyond the Moon. It was taken by the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit one hour before sunrise on the 63rd Martian day, or sol, of its mission. The image is a mosaic of images taken by the rover's navigation camera showing a broad view of the sky, and an image taken by the rover's panoramic camera of Earth. The contrast in the panoramic camera image was increased two times to make Earth easier to see.
Lander 2 Site
Visible in the lower right corner of the image is the lander's footpad. The shroud that protected the soil collector head during the lander's descent lies a short distance from the footpad. The rounded rock in the center foreground is about 20 cm (8 in) wide. The angular rock to the left and further back is about 1.5 m (5 ft) across. Notice the two trenches dug in the regolith by the sampler arm.
September 11, 2001 Terroris...
On September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked the World Trade Center Twin Towers in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington. Read about 9/11/01 as viewed by Frank Culbertson on the International Space Station. Learn the reaction of astronauts including Frank Culbertson aboard the International Space Station as the World Trade Centers fell to terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001. Find out the effect of the 9 11 attack on the pentagon to the space program.
Global View of Earth in the Ne
This near-infrared photograph of the Earth was taken by the Galileo spacecraft at 6:07 a.m. PST on Dec. 11, 1990, at a range of about 1.32 million miles. The camera used light with a wavelength of 1 micron, which easily penetrates atmospheric hazes and enhances the brightness of land surfaces. South America is prominent near the center; at the top, the East Coast of the United States, including Florida, is visible. The West Coast of Africa is visible on the horizon at right.
Earth and Moon as viewed by Ma
Mariner 10 was launched on November 3, 1973, 12:45 am PST, from Cape Canaveral on an Atlas/Centaur rocket (a reconditioned Intercontinental Ballistic Missile - ICBM). Within 12 hours of launch the twin cameras were turned on and several hundred pictures of both the Earth and the Moon were acquired over the following days.
orion
The Hunter - Genitive: Orionis Abbreviations: Ori, Orio Right Ascension, (h): 5 Declination, (deg): 5N
What Is Astronomy
What Is Astronomy? - Basics Series; What You Need To Know About Astronomy and Astronomers. Discover what the science of astronomy covers, how long astronomers have been studying it, and who the astronomers are who have been studying it. Learn the basics of the science of astronomy.
Earth - Pacific Ocean
This color image of the Earth was obtained by Galileo at about 6:10 a.m. Pacific Standard Time on Dec. 11, 1990, when the spacecraft was about 1.3 million miles from the planet during the first of two Earth flybys on its way to Jupiter. The color composite used images taken through the red, green and violet filters. South America is near the center of the picture, and the white, sunlit continent of Antarctica is below.
Earthrise Over Plaskett Crater
The above is a view from Clementine of the full Earth over the north pole of the Moon. The crater with a central peak in the foreground is Plaskett (820N, 1740E; 110 kilometers in diameter). On Earth, Africa is clearly visible and nearly cloud free.
First View of Earth from Moon
The world's first view of Earth taken by a spacecraft from the vicinity of the Moon. - The photo was transmitted to Earth by the United States Lunar Orbiter I and received at the NASA tracking station at Robledo De Chavela near Madrid, Spain. This crescent of the Earth was photographed August 23, 1966 at 16:35 GMT when the spacecraft was on its 16th orbit and just about to pass behind the Moon.
libra
The Scales - Genitive: Librae Abbreviations: Lib, Libr Right Ascension, (h): 15 Declination, (deg): 15S
Lander 1 Site
Big Joe, the large rock just left of center is about 2 m (7 ft) wide. The top of the rock is covered with red soil. Those portions of the rock not covered are similar in color to basaltic rocks on Earth. This rock may be a fragment of a lava flow that was later ejected by an impact crater. The red color of the rocks and soil is due to an abundance of oxidized iron in the eroded material.
First Picture of the Earth and
This picture of the Earth and Moon in a single frame, the first of its kind ever taken by a spacecraft, was recorded September 18, 1977, but NASAs Voyager 1 when it was 7.25 million miles (11.66 million kilometers) from Earth. The moon is at the top of the picture and beyond the Earth as viewed by Voyager. In the picture are eastern Asia, the western Pacific Ocean and part of the Arctic.
gemini
The Twins - Genitive: Geminorum Abbreviations: Gem, Gemi Right Ascension, (h): 7 Declination, (deg): 20N
ursamajor
The Great Bear - Genitive: Ursa Majoris Abbreviations: UMa, U Maj Right Ascension, (h): 11 Declination, (deg): 50N
Earth - Moon Conjunction
On December 16, 1992, 8 days after its encounter with Earth, the Galileo spacecraft looked back from a distance of about 6.2 million kilometers (3.9 million miles) to capture this remarkable view of the Moon in orbit about Earth. The composite photograph was constructed from images taken through visible (violet, red) and near-infrared (1.0-micron) filters. The Moon is in the foreground; its orbital path is from left to right.
6 Things About Telescopes
So, you want to know how to buy a telescope. Being a knowledgeable consumer is key Before you go shopping, learn as much as you can about telescopes. We will try to help you get started here, with the six things you need to know about how to buy a telescope.
Constellations - Names and Information on the 88 Constellations
Constellations Information On All 88 Modern Constellations Discover more about each of the 88 modern
NASA Discovers a New Planet
Literally Planet X, especially if you use Roman numerals. NASA scientists have discovered a 10th planet in our solar system. The planet, larger than Pluto, was discovered using the Samuel Oschin Telescope at Palomar Observatory near San Diego, Calif. The discovery was announced today by planetary scientist Dr. Mike Brown of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, Calif., whose research is partly funded by NASA.
Great Moon Landing Hoax
Was the Moon Landing in the 1960's a hoax? Some people claim that NASA lied about the Apollo program and faked the Moon landings. Actually, it would have been harder to fake the moon landings than to do it! Still, many people are confused about it, so let's clear it up the Moon Landing Hoax confusion.
NASA Spinoffs - Apollo Inventi
Every day, in a variety of ways, American lives are touched by space technology. Since 1976, about 1,400 documented NASA inventions have benefited U.S. industry, improved the quality of life and created jobs for Americans. The Apollo program has helped change the way of life in America, especially in health care. Here are some of the inventions contributed by the Apollo program.
SMART-1 Looks Back
The first picture of Earth taken by the SMART-1 spacecraft on 21 May 2004 from a distance of 70,000 kilometres. The image shows from top left, Scandinavia, Denmark, United Kingdom and clear west and northern France. Southern France and Spain are at the centre under cloud cover. North Africa is bottom right (in the full-resoltion image).
sagittarius
The Archer - Genitive: Sagittarii Abbreviations: Sgr, Sgtr Right Ascension, (h): 19 Declination, (deg): 25S
Pacific Ocean Surface Winds fr
This image shows wind speeds and direction in the Pacific Ocean on August 1, 1999, gathered by the Seawinds radar instrument flying onboard the QuikScat satellite. - This image was released in conjunction with:PIA01347. The caption released for these images mostly details the Pacific region. - The intense surface winds of Typhoon Olga, represented by yellow spirals, can be seen moving around South Korea in the China Sea.
Planet Earth - 1995_02393l
Planet Earth 07/18/1995
Did Galileo Invent
Did Galileo Invent the Telescope? ? Frequently Asked Questions About Space - Basics Series; What You Need To Know About Space. Discover the answers to some frequently asked questions about space.
Liftoff of Shuttle Challenger
View of the Liftoff of the Shuttle Challenger for STS 51-L mission taken from the PAFB/IGOR camera site.
Sputnik 1
Sputnik 1 - First Artificial Satellite In Space. The world, especially the US, was shocked, when on October 4, 1957, the USSR launched the world's first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1. The name comes from a word for "traveling companion of the world." It carried a thermometer and two radio transmitters. Circling the earth once every 96.2 minutes it transmitted atmospheric information by radio.
Venus Information
Venus - Pictures and Astronomy Facts - Solar System Planetary Astronomical Data & Pictures of Venus. Venus. Astronomy Guide to Space exploration close to home. Venus whose Greek equivalent was Aphrodite was the Greek goddess of love and beauty. It probably got its name from being the brightest object in the sky except for the Sun & the Moon. At one time, it was thought to be two separate bodies: morning star, Eosphorus & evening star, Hesperus. It is the 2nd planet from the Sun & 6th largest.
Distant Earth and Moon
This picture of the Earth and Moon in a single frame, the first of its kind ever taken by a spacecraft, was recorded September 18, 1977, by NASAs Voyager 1 when it was 11.66 million km (7.25 million miles) from Earth. The moon is at the top of the picture and beyond the Earth as viewed by Voyager. - In the picture are eastern Asia, the western Pacific Ocean and part of the Arctic.
Free Astronomy & Space Christmas Wallpaper for Your Computer Desktop - Place This Free Astronomy & Space Christmas Wallpaper on Your Computer Desktop
Space Up Your Desktop Download Free Astronomy and Space Wallpaper Select the appropriate size space wallpaper
Jupiter Information
Jupiter - Pictures and Astronomy Facts - Solar System Planetary Astronomical Data & Pictures of Jupiter. Jupiter. Astronomy Guide to Space exploration close to home. Named after Jove, the chief god of Roman mythology, Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun and the largest planet in Earth's solar system. Besides the Sun, the Moon, and Venus, Jupiter is the brightest object in Earth's sky, often mistaken as a star. It is more than three times brighter than Sirius, the brightest star.
How to Become An Astronaut
Many of us dreamed of becoming astronauts when we were young. Some of us never got over that dream. When John Glenn rode the shuttle in 1998 at the age of 77, it breathed new hope into many would-be astronauts. So, how do you become an astronaut? Let's discover the path, together.
Space Urban Legends
Considering the fascination that outer space holds for so many of us, it's not surprising that speculation, rumors and bad astronomy abound. Here are your About Astronomy and Space Guide's top 10 Space urban legends and myths and bad astronomy examples. From hoaxes to conspiracies to sex in space, here's an intriguing look at what some people believe about space, NASA, and astronomy. Bad Astronomy and space mistakes.
andromeda
Andromeda, daughter of Cepheus and Cassiopeia. - Genitive: Andromedae Abbreviations: And, Andr Right Ascension, (h): 1 Declination, (deg): 40N
Cities Around World
You can view free sky maps as seen from various cities around the globe. Your Guide offers this online planetarium which gives you three ways to view the sky and produce free sky maps.
Asteroid Threat 2004 MN4
A recently rediscovered 400-meter Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA) is predicted to pass near the Earth on 13 April 2029. The flyby distance is uncertain and an Earth impact cannot yet be ruled out. The odds of impact, presently around 1 in 300, are unusual enough to merit special monitoring by astronomers, but should not be of public concern. In all likelihood, the possibility of impact will eventually be eliminated as the asteroid continues to be tracked by astronomers around the world.
Home
This image of the Earth is one of 60 frames taken by the Voyager 1 spacecraft on Feb. 14, 1990 from a distance of approximately 4 billion miles and about 32 degrees above the ecliptic plane. - This image the Earth is a mere point of light, a crescent only 0.12 pixel in size. Our planet was caught in the center of one of the scattered light rays resulting from taking the image so close to the sun.
Mercury Pictures - A Growing Collection of Mercury Pictures
Mercury Pictures Mercury pictures. All images © NASA. Used by permission. Return to Solar System Tou
Earth - full disk view of Afri
This color image of the Earth was obtained by the Galileo spacecraft on Dec. 11, 1990, when the spacecraft was about 1.5 million miles from the Earth. The color composite used images taken through the red, green and violet filters. Africa stretches from the center to the top of the picture with the Arabian Peninsula off to its right. The white, sunlit continent of Antarctica is at the bottom.
leo
The Lion - Genitive: Leonis Abbreviations: Leo, Leon Right Ascension, (h): 11 Declination, (deg): 15N
10 Sun Things
Our Sun has inspired mythology in almost all cultures, including ancient Egyptians, Aztecs, Native Americans, and Chinese. Our Sun is actually the closest star to Earth. The Sun is a massive shining sphere of hot gas. The connection and interaction between the Sun and the Earth drive the seasons, currents in the ocean, weather, and climate.
Buy a Telescope
So, you've been stargazing for a while with your naked eye or binoculars and you want to move up to a telescope. Buying a telescope is one of the biggest decisions for an amateur astronomer. If you are not really sure how to buy a telescope, it can be a daunting task. Follow these simple steps and we'll tell you how to buy a telescope.
Telescopes For Under \$300.00
Everyone has to start somewhere. If you have spent some time observing the sky with your naked eyes and a pair of binoculars, you may be ready to move on up to telescopes. Still, even though you want to have the best, it may not be a great idea to spend a lot of money until you're sure you will get your money's worth. Check here for some great reflectors and refractors. Less expensive telescopes.
aquarius
The Water Carrier - Genitive: Aquarii Abbreviations: Aqr, Aqar Right Ascension, (h): 23 Declination, (deg): 15S
Liquid Water on Mars
A series of troughs and layered mesas in the Gorgonum Chaos region of the Martian southern hemisphere appears in the chaotic terrain. Gullies proposed to have been formed by seeping ground water emanate from a specific layer near the tops of trough walls, particularly on south-facing slopes. Such a layer is called an aquifer, and this one appears to be present less than a few hundred meters (few hundred yards) beneath the surface in this region.
Aristotle Biography
Aristotle was born around 384 BC in Stagirus, Greece. Around the age of 17, Aristotle became a student at Plato's Academy in Athens. Aristotle was so impressive as a student that he soon became a teacher, himself, remaining at the academy for 20 years. In 335 BC Aristotle traveled to Athens with his circle of assistants to staff his new school, the Lyceum. Two areas which he advanced, which are of particular interest to readers of this site were physics and astronomy. He died at the age of 62.
Frequently Asked Questions ...
Browse these Frequently Asked Questions About Space & Astronomy. Learn the answers to Astronomy Questions & Space Questions This feature of our Basics Series; What You Need To Know About Space provides answers to astronomy questions and space questions. Discover the answers to some frequently asked questions about space.
Pythagoras of Samos Biography
Pythagoras, the son of Mnesarchus and Pythais, was born on the island of Samos, off the coast of Asia Minor (what is now mostly Turkey), about 569 BC. Besides his contributions to mathematics, Pythagoras was essential to the early field of astronomy. As Plato later would believe, Pythagoras felt the sphere was the perfect shape. This may have lead to his assertion that the Earth was a sphere. He realized the orbit of the Moon was inclined to the equator of the Earth.
Astronomy 101 - History
The study of our Universe is not new, the history of astronomy shows it to be the oldest science. People have been looking up, trying to explain the universe for as long as there have been people. Here, in lesson 1, we look at the early history of astronomy. We’ll look at ancient astronomers and their contributions to the history of astronomy.
Earth - Departing Image by Gal
This color image of the Earth was taken by the Galileo spacecraft on December 11 as it departed on its 3-year flight to Jupiter, about 2 1/2 days after the second Earth flyby. The distance to Earth is about 1.9 million kilometers (1.2 million miles). Antarctica is visible at the bottom of the image, and dawn is rising over the Pacific Ocean.
Planet Earth - 1995_02397l.
Planet Earth 07/18/1995
Space Related Costumes
Want an astronaut costume idea? From Halloween to costume parties to plays or skits, any time you need costume ideas, check out these space related costumes for kids. From astronaut costumes to alien costumes ideas.
Space Shuttle Challenger Quiz - Try Your Luck Out on The Simple Quiz About the Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster
Space Shuttle Challenger Quiz Try Your Hand at This Simple Quiz About the Space Shuttle Challenger Disaste
Space and Astronomy Pictures
New Space and Astronomy pictures, including: the Featured Space Astronomy Image of the Week, formerly Space and Astronomy Picture of the Day, Saturn Pictures, Mars Pictures, NASA Television, Sky Maps, and Space Computer Desktop Wallpaper.
Challenger Wreckage Entombment
STS-51L Challenger wreckage remains and boxes of debris being lowered into abandoned Minuteman Missile Silos at Complex 31 on Cape Canveral Air Force Station.
Ptolemy Biography
Ptolemy (aka Claudius Ptolemaeus, Ptolomaeus, Klaudios Ptolemaios, Ptolemeus) lived in Alexandria, Egypt. We know very little of Ptolemy's life, including his birth and death dates. He was an astronomer, mathematician and geographer. Ptolemy created the Ptolemaic System - Earth Centered Universe.
Stars - Quiz on Stars - Try Your Luck Out on The Simple Quiz About Stars. Learn how much you know about stars.
Stars - Quiz on Stars Try Your Hand at This Simple Quiz About Stars Discover What You Know About Star
Model Space Shuttles
Space shuttle models make a great gift for anyone who loves space exploration. Build your own model space shuttle or share with someone else. These space shuttle models provide incredible detail. Find the best prices for space shuttle models here.
World Globes, Shaded Relief an
These images of the world were generated with data from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). The SRTM Project has recently released a new global data set called SRTM30, where the original one arcsecond of latitude and longitude resolution (about 30 meters, or 98 feet, at the equator) was reduced to 30 arcseconds (about 928 meters, or 1496 feet.)
The Moon - Luna Information
Moon - Pictures and Astronomy Facts - Solar System Planetary Astronomical Data & Pictures of the Moon. The Moon. Astronomy Guide to Space exploration close to home. The Moon is the only natural satellite of the planet Earth. It was known as Luna to the Romans, Selene and Artemis to the Greeks, and many other names in other languages. Detailed Information.
Astronomy 101 - Final Exam
Free Basic Astronomy course. Astronomy 101 - Pass a simple 20 question quiz to receive your certificate.
Pluto
An artist's conception of Pluto and its moon Charon.
Pythagoras the Mathematician
Unfortunately, the actual date or place of Pythagoras's death has been lost to history. However, his impact on that history still resonates today.
Mars Closest To Earth in 50...
Mars Closest To Earth in 50,000 Years. August of 2003 is a special time for scientists and amateur astronomers. Our red neighbor, Mars will move closer than it’s been in 50,000 years. On August 27, 2003, the "red planet" will be less than 55.76 million kilometers (34.65 million miles) away from the Earth. Just six months ago, Mars was about five times that distance.
Georges-Henri Lemaitre Bio
Georges-Henri Lemaitre was born in Charleroi, Belgium on 17 July 1894. Lemaitre studied humanities at a Jesuit school before entering the civil engineering school of the Catholic University of Leuven at the age of 17. Georges-Henri Lemaître is credited with proposing the Big Bang theory of the origin of the universe, although he called it his hypothesis of the primeval atom. He died on the 20th of June 1966.
taurus
The Bull - Genitive: Tauri Abbreviations: Tau, Taur Right Ascension, (h): 4 Declination, (deg): 15N
Telescopes for Kids
Everyone has to start somewhere. Star your kids off right with quality telescopes at good prices. Check here for some great reflectors and refractors. Less expensive telescopes.
View from Lander 1
This image was taken at the Viking Lander 1 site, using camera 2. The lander's footpad is visible in the lower right. This scene shows a rocky field with trenches in the foreground (just below center) dug by the sampler arm. Patches of drift material and possibly bedrock are visible further from the Lander.
Portrait of Pythagoras
While in Egypt, Pythagoras visited, or at least tried to visit, many of the temples and spoke with a large number of priests and scholars. There are some accounts that indicate he was denied access to all but a few temples. One, however, which he apprently entered was Diospolis, where he was accepted into the priesthood after completing the rites necessary for admission. While in Egypt, Pythagors continued his education, especially in mathematics and geometry.
51-L Challenger Crew Remains T
Challenger crewmember remains being transferred from 7 hearse vehicles to a C-141 transport plane at Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility for transport to Dover Air Force Base, DE. STS-51L crew consisted of: Mission Specialist, Ellison S. Onizuka, Teacher in Space Participant Sharon Christa McAuliffe, Payload Specialist, Greg Jarvis & Mission Specialist, Judy Resnik. In the front row from left to right: Pilot Mike Smith, Commander, Dick Scobee & Mission Specialist, Ron McNair.
View from Lander 2
This Viking Lander 2 site has more and larger blocks of stone than are seen at the Viking Lander 1 site. The stones are probably ejecta from impact craters near the Lander 2 site. Many of the rocks are angular and are thought to be only slightly altered by the wind and other forms of erosion. Drifts of sand and dust are smaller and less noticeable at the Lander 2 site. The overall red coloring of the Martian terrain is due to the presence of oxidized iron in the regolith.
Canyon and Volcanoes
This mosaic of Mars is similar to the view you would see from a spacecraft. The center of the scene shows the entire Valles Marineris canyon system, over 4000 km (2486 mi) long and up to 7 km (5 mi) deep. It extends from Noctis Labyrinthus, the arcuate system of graben on the west side, to the chaotic terrain on the east side. Many ancient river channels begin from the chaotic terrain and north-central canyons and run north. Three Tharsis volcanoes are visible to the west (dark red spots).
Mars Daily Global Image
Twelve orbits a day provided the Mars Global Surveyor MOC wide angle cameras a global snapshot of weather patterns across the planet in April, 1999. Here, bluish-white water ice clouds hang above the Tharsis volcanoes. This computer generated image was created by wrapping a global map onto a sphere. The center of this sphere is 15 degrees North latitude, 90 degrees West longitude. This perspective rotates the south pole (which has no data coverage in the original map) away from our field of view
Cerberus
The large dark area left of center is named Cerberus. The arcuate markings in the upper right are in the Amazonis plains and may be sand drifts. The Elysium volcano, a yellow area north of Cerberus, has several channels radiating from its flanks. The three bright spots, upper left, are volcanoes partially veiled by thin clouds.
virgo
The Virgin - Genitive: Virginis Abbreviations: Vir, Virg Right Ascension, (h): 13 Declination, (deg): 0
Apollo 1 Fire
It was January 27, 1967 and the crew of Apollo/Saturn 204 (more commonly known as Apollo 1 mission) were training for the first crewed Apollo flight, an Earth orbiting mission scheduled to be launched on 21 February. During this training, tragedy struck.
Atlantic Ocean Surface Winds f
This image shows wind speeds and direction in the Atlantic Ocean on August 1, 1999, gathered by the Seawinds radar instrument flying onboard the QuikScat satellite. - This image was released in conjunction with: PIA01346. Please refer to that image for more details about the Pacific region. - The intense surface winds of Typhoon Olga, represented by yellow spirals, can be seen moving around South Korea in the China Sea.
Google Earth
Dive from space to practically any address you choose. Want to see what your house looks like in a satellite image? Now, you have the chance with Google's free 3D mapping and search product, Google Earth. Google Inc. announced the launch of Google Earth in June of 2005. Google Earth is a satellite imagery-based mapping product that combines 3D buildings and terrain with mapping capability and Google search. Google Earth is a free download.
Where is La Niña?
Since the weak El Niño event of winter of 2002, the equatorial Pacific has cooled and oceanographers have been on a La Niña "watch." Thus far, equatorial waters have seesawed between cooling and the present slight warming. Elsewhere, the northern and northeastern Pacific Ocean remains quite cool and sea levels are much lower than normal.
The Americas and Hurricane And
Image taken on August 25, 1992 by NOAA GOES-7 of the Americas and Hurricane Andrew.
Astronaut Neil Armstrong in La
Astronaut Neil A. Armstrong, command pilot of the Gemini 8 space flight, sits in the Launch Complex 16 trailer during suiting up operations for the Gemini 8 mission. Suit technician Jim Garrepy assists.
2008 Monthly Sky Guides
2008 Monthly Sky Guides Learn what is happening in 2008 and what has happened in the past. Discover highlights of the night sky and learn what to look for in the year 2008. Check the appropriate sky guide every month.
Valentina Tereshkova Biography
The first woman in space was Valentina Tereshkova, cosmonaut. The USSR sent a female cosmonaut, Valentina Tereshkova into space many years before NASA sent astronaut, Sally Ride. This is a biography of Valentina Tereshkova.
Perseid Meteor Shower
Perseid Meteor Shower - A Spectacular Astronomy Fireworks Show. April showers bring May flowers, they say, so, what does a shower in August bring? Meteors. The Perseid Meteor Shower, to be exact. Like a messy tourist, the comet Swift-Tuttle passed through our solar system in 1863 & 1992 leaving behind its trash; tiny grains of ice, dust, rock, & other debris. As the Earth makes its trip around the sun, we pass through this debris field with some spectacular results, The Perseid Meteor Shower.
Dr. Mae C. Jemison
Dr. Mae Jemison was the first African-American female astronaut in Space. Dr. Mae Jemison is "Not Limited By The Imagination of Others." This is a brief biography of Doctor Mae C. Jemison.
Galileo Galilei
Galileo Galilei - Astronomer. Read about the life and work of Galileo Galilei, perhaps the greatest scientist of all time, who went from genius to heretic and back again. Galileo Galilei, first used telescopes for scientific purposes, refined telescopes beyond being toys, demonstrated key points of gravity, and modernized science. Read the biography of Galileo Galilei.
Signs of a Massive Impact
An impact crater believed to be associated with the "Great Dying," the largest extinction event in the history of life on Earth, appears to be buried off the coast of Australia. Evidence Of Meteor Impact Found Off Australian Coast - Signs of a Massive Impact.
Astronomy & Space Quizzes
Astronomy and Space Quizzes - Try Your Hand at Our Astronomy & Space Quizzes
South Polar Projection of Eart
This view of the Earth shows a wonderfully unique but physically impossible view of the southern hemisphere and Antarctica. While a spacecraft could find itself directly over the Earth's pole, roughly half of the image should be in darkness! This view was created by mosaicing together several images taken by Galileo over a 24 hour period and projecting them as they would be seen from above the pole.
Space Rock - Pop Songs Guid...
Top ten rock - pop songs with a space theme. These rock - pop songs are all dedicated to the space age.
Hubble Space Telescope
NASA named the world's first space-based optical telescope after American astronomer Edwin P. Hubble (1889–1953). Dr. Hubble confirmed an "expanding" universe, which provided the foundation for the Big Bang theory. Hubble's two mirrors were ground so that they do not deviate from a perfect curve by more than 1/800,000ths of an inch. If Hubble’s primary mirror were scaled up to the diameter of the Earth, the biggest bump would be only six inches tall.
Command Module Interior after
This image provides a look inside the Command Module of Saturn 204/Apollo 1 after the flash fire which killed the entire crew.
When You Gotta Go - How To ...
This video provides a quick explanation for the use of toilet facilities aboard the space shuttle.
The Earth and Moon
During its flight, the Galileo spacecraft returned images of the Earth and Moon. Separate images of the Earth and Moon were combined to generate this view. The Galileo spacecraft took the images in 1992 on its way to explore the Jupiter system in 1995-97. The image shows a partial view of the Earth centered on the Pacific Ocean about latitude 20 degrees south.
The Earth & Moon
During its flight, the Galileo spacecraft returned images of the Earth and Moon. Separate images of the Earth and Moon were combined to generate this view. The Galileo spacecraft took the images in 1992 on its way to explore the Jupiter system in 1995-97. The image shows a partial view of the Earth centered on the Pacific Ocean about latitude 20 degrees south.
Meteoroids
Shooting stars or meteors are bits of material falling through Earth's atmosphere; they are heated to incandescence by the friction of the air. The bright trails as they are coming through the Earth's atmosphere are termed meteors, and these chunks as they are hurtling through space are called meteoroids. Large pieces that do not vaporize completely and reach the surface of the Earth are termed meteorites.
Rover and Terrain
The Sojourner rover and undeployed ramps onboard the Mars Pathfinder spacecraft can be seen in this image, by the Imager for Mars Pathfinder (IMP) taken on July 4, 1997. The microrover Sojourner is latched to the petal, and has not yet been deployed. The ramps are a pair of deployable metal reels that provide a track for the rover as it slowly rolls off the lander, over the spacecraft's deflated airbags, and onto the surface of Mars.
Tycho Brahe
Tycho Brahe - Danish Father of Modern Astronomy. Biography of Tycho Brahe, the astronomer who collected data during his lifetime that was far superior to any others made prior to the invention of the telescope. Read more about astronomer, Tycho Brahe, and his tremendous work to bring astronomy into the new millenium.
Adios Earth
Well on its way to the Red Planet, Europe's Mars Express snapped this shot of Earth from a distance of about 8 million km (5 million miles).
STS-51L Pictures - LOX Tank Ru
The bright luminous glow at the top is attributed to the rupture of the liquid oxygen tank just above the SRB/ET attachment. At this point, Challenger is completely engulfed in a firey flow of escaping liquid propellant.

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