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DISCOVER THE UNIVERSE WITH NASA
Four hundred years ago, Galileo Galilei kicked off a new age of astronomy when he first used his rudimentary telescope to study the Moon and the planets of our solar system. To honor his groundbreaking discoveries, the International Astronomical Union and the United Nations declared 2009 the International Year of Astronomy. NASA's Solar System Exploration website is joining dozens of other organizations across the planet to provide resources and opportunities to participate as we carry Galileo's spirit of exploration into the 21st Century. (More on IYA.)
LOOK UP
Check here each month for simple guidance for backyard observing of the planets, stars and beyond; exciting ways to access and use real NASA image data from space science missions and more tools and opportunities for you to follow in Galileo's footsteps.
- Featured Object: Earth's Moon: Each month NASA highlights a celestial object that you can locate in the sky. This month we focus on Earth's celestial companion -- the Moon.
- Comet Lulin: Green comet makes its closest approach to Earth on Feb. 24. It should be visible to the naked eye -- but only under the darkest skies.
- Night Sky Network: Find an astronomy club near you.
THE GALILEO IN YOU
Read about how Galileo and today's scientists are continue to explore our solar system and beyond. Take a little time to reach about how others made their first connections to the sky -- and don't forget to share your own stargazing experiences. Our favorite stories will be featured on this website.
TELESCOPES HERE AND THERE
Find out how scientists and engineers use ground-based telescopes, space telescopes and unmanned interplanetary spacecraft together to create a complete picture of our solar system, our galaxy and the vast universe beyond. Our view of the cosmos has never been better.
LEARNING RESOURCES
Whether you're learning the parts of a comet while making an ice cream cone or building a paper model of the Cassini spacecraft currently exploring Saturn, these science teacher-approved activities are so much fun that kids won't even know they're learning.
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