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CURRENT MISSIONSNASA's Current Missions Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) STEREO: The Sun in 3-D New Horizons UNIVERSAL RESOURCESThe Astronomy & Astrophysics Tracer Bullet is a comprehensive bibliography of resources in astronomy, compiled by the Library of Congress and maintained on the Science Reference Services web pages. AstroWeb (CDS) Maintained by the AstroWeb Consortium, it is a collection of pointers to web resources. Site is based on data shared by all the contributing sites and is part of the CDS yellow-page services. Biblographic Resources for the Historian of Astronomy Jet Propulsion Laboratory (NASA) Jointly operated by NASA and the Carnegie Institute of Technology, JPL’s web site has news, science and resources, images, and a lot more. Includes such resources as the Planetary Photojournal where you can view images of planets in thumbnail size and download the TIFF or JPEG versions for fuller resolution. The Planet Quest page has an archive of the March 19, 2004 webcast of the Transit of Venus event. Recent
Publications Relating to the History of Astronomy PLANETARY RESOURCES (this solar system)Astrogeology Research Program (USGS) Data & Information section has databases for planetary nomenclature, impact craters on Venus, and regional and global maps and imagery. Includes a new page of the Cassini Observations of Io's Visible Aurorae. Lunar and Planetary Institute (CIRS) The Center for Information and Research Services (CIRS) organizes and maintains a collection of space-science-related materials in a variety of media, including books, journals, documents, maps, and images. This collection is one of the 18 international NASA Regional Planetary Image Facilities (RPIFs). Reference services are provided to scientists, educators, students, and publishers requesting information related to lunar and planetary science. Also has a page of organized Internet Resources. NASA Regional Planetary Image Facility Maintains photographic and digital data as well as mission documentation and cartographic data. The Nine Planets (Bill Arnett) A multimedia tour of the solar system; provides an overview of the history, mythology, and current scientific knowledge of each of the planets and moons in our solar system. Each page has text and images, some have sounds and movies, most provide references to additional related information. With an extensive glossary of technical terms and proper names, and a number of appendices, including solar system data. The Planetary Society is the largest and most influential public space organization group on Earth. Dedicated to exploring the solar system and seeking life beyond Earth. PLANETARY RESOURCES (other systems)California and Carnegie Planet Search News, methods of detection, systems displayed, etc. Includes an almanac of data on extrasolar planets. The Extrasolar Planets Encyclopedia Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics mirror for a French site. Planet Quest (NASA/JPL) The Jet Propulsion Lab’s search for another earth; keeps a current planet count. NEAR-EARTH OBJECTS (NEOs)Near Earth Object Program (NASA) NEOs are comets and asteroids that have been nudged by the gravitational attraction of nearby planets into orbits that allow them to enter the Earth's neighborhood; watch the multimedia presentation “Keeping an Eye on Space Rocks,” view charts of Near Earth Asteroid Discoveries, read about Impact Risk, and more. The NEO Page Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and IAU’s Minor Planet Center list local links on Near-Earth Objects. Includes a page of animations of the solar system and near earth environment. SEARCH FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL INTELLIGENCE (SETI)SETI@home A scientific experiment that uses Internet-connected computers in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI); participate by running a free program that downloads and analyzes radio telescope data. SETI Institute A private, nonprofit organization dedicated to scientific research, education and public outreach. SETI is an exploratory science that seeks evidence of life in the universe by looking for some signature of its technology. Online resources include a bibliography of books and references, an index of scientific papers organized by author’s last name, and a newsletter archive dating back to 1992. CATALOGS, DATA CENTERS & IMAGE COLLECTIONSAladin Interactive Sky Atlas The Strasbourg Astronomical Data Center (CDS) is a data center dedicated to the collection and worldwide distribution of astronomical data and related information. It is located at the Strasbourg Astronomical Observatory, France. The CDS also hosts the SIMBAD astronomical database, the world reference database for the identification of galactic objects, and VizieR, the most complete library of published astronomical catalogues and data tables available. The Sky Atlas allows users to visualize digitized images of any part of the sky, to superimpose entries from astronomical catalogs or personal user data files, and to interactively access related data and information from the SIMBAD, NED, VizieR, or other archives for all known objects in the field. Anglo-Australian Observatory Astronomical Images can be accessed in several ways: from the text lists, including a searchable list of all objects, or from thumbnail pictures. Images have detailed captions and the full NGC 2000.0 catalogue entry. Astronomical Data Center (ADC) NASA has officially determined that ADC services sufficiently overlap those provided by CDS and others to allow termination effective Oct. 1, 2002, and is directing ADC users to other sites, but the Science Data provides data search, data set lists, author index, user’s guide, and quick reference. Astronomy Digital Image Library (ADIL) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign collection of astronomical, research-quality images available to the astronomical community and the general public. The ADIL User’s Guide provides details. HEASARC (NASA) The High Energy Astrophysics Science Archive Research Center is an archive of astronomy data from extreme ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma-ray observatories: Archival data, multi-mission software and analysis tools, information about current and past observatory missions, and information for educators and the public. The site has an extensive links page, a collection of images, and a cross-database search engine, the National Virtual Observatory to search for objects in a particular region of the sky. HyperLeda Consists of a database and tools to process data according to the user's requirements. The scientific goal which motivates the development of HyperLeda is the study of the physics and evolution of galaxies. Originally LEDA, created in 1983, it became HyperLeda after merging with Hypercat in 2000. At present the database contains about 3 million objects, out of them 1 million are certainly galaxies (with a high level of confidence). NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS) The Digital Library for Physics, Astrophysics, and Instrumentation, hosted by the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. Consists of four bibliographic databases containing more than 3.6 million records: Astronomy and Astrophysics, Instrumentation, Physics and Geophysics, and preprints in Astronomy. Searchable through the Abstract Service query forms; also has full-text scans of much of the astronomical literature which can be accessed through the Browse interface. For details, read the description and review in Issues in Science & Technology Librarianship (ISTL) by Leith B. Woodall. NASA Extragalactic Database (NED) It is built around a master list of extragalactic objects for which cross-identifications of names have been established, accurate positions and redshifts entered to the extent possible, and some basic data collected. Bibliographic references relevant to individual objects have been compiled, and abstracts of extragalactic interest are kept on line. Detailed and referenced photometry, position, and redshift data, have been taken from large compilations and from the literature. National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC) (NASA) at the Goddard Space Flight Center, sponsored by the Office of Space Sciences. Data resources for the public include a photo gallery, a planetary image archive, chronology of lunar and planetary exploration, planetary fact sheets, and more. Planetary Data System (NASA JPL) archives and distributes scientific data from NASA planetary missions, astronomical observations, and laboratory measurements. Site links to seven university/research center science teams, called discipline nodes. These nodes specialize in specific areas of planetary data. The contributions from these nodes provide a data-rich source for scientists, researchers and developers. OBSERVATORIESAnglo-Australian Observatory (AAO) operates the Anglo-Australian and UK Schmidt telescopes on behalf of the astronomical communities of Australia and the UK. The astronomical images page is a unique collection of wide-field astronomical photographs. Australian Telescope National Facility The ATNF operates the Australia Telescope which consists of the Compact Array at Narrabri and the Parkes and Mopra radio telescopes. These telescopes can be used together as a long baseline array for use in Very Long Baseline Interferometry. Carnegie Observatories Telescopes located on Cerro Las Campanas, Chile. The Publications & Library Services page offers members preprints of recent journal articles, organized by subject, and also has free full text of the Carnegie Observatories Information Booklet online. European Southern Observatory The ESO Very Large Telescope (VLT) at the Paranal Observatory (Atacama, Chile) is the world's largest and most advanced optical telescope. ESO also releases images of observed objects to the public, such as the one at the top of this guide, of the Barred Spiral Galaxy Messier 83 . HubbleSite.org (NASA) produced by the Space Telescope Science Institute’s Office of Public Outreach, the site provides news from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, an image gallery, and a reference desk page with links to an FAQ, a glossary, and a facts and figures page. Content and image-rich pages. The James Webb Space Telescope A large, infrared-optimized space telescope, scheduled for launch in 2013. JWST will find the first galaxies that formed in the early Universe, connecting the Big Bang to our own Milky Way Galaxy. National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) designs, builds and operates the world's most sophisticated and advanced radio telescopes. Watch the video (MPEG) to learn more about NRAO and radio astronomy. The browsable and searchable Image Gallery contains a collection of astronomical images taken with NRAO instruments, as well as photographs of NRAO telescopes and facilities. Strasbourg Astronomical Observatory Hosts teaching and research activities, and the services of the Strasbourg Astronomical Data Center (CDS). U.S. Naval Observatory one of the oldest scientific agencies in the country, today is the preeminent authority in the areas of Precise Time and Astrometry, and distributes Earth Orientation parameters and other Astronomical Data required for accurate navigation and fundamental astronomy. Virtual Observatory Sponsored by the International Virtual Observatory Alliance (IVOA), the VO is an international astronomical community-based initiative which aims to allow global electronic access to the available astronomical data archives of space and ground-based observatories, sky survey databases. It also aims to enable data analysis techniques through a coordinating entity that will provide common standards, wide-network bandwidth, and state-of-the-art analysis tools ELECTRONIC MAGAZINESThe Astronomer Online for the advanced amateur; the aim is to publish all observations of astronomical interest as soon as possible after they are made. Subscription is modest and provides access to much content. Astronomy.com Electronic version of print magazine, gives table of contents of current issue, and downloadable PDF format author, title, subject indexes of issues from 1973-2000. Free resources online include Astro for Kids. Other material requires subscription and/or registration. Astronomy Now Online has a news archive, Spaceflight Now which provides online abstracts and full-text of all articles to 1999. Sky & Telescope an excellent list of astronomy web sites, downloadable software programs, articles on SETI, searchable archive, and a lot more free content. ORGANIZATIONSAmerican Association of Variable Star Observers The AAVSO at Harvard College Observatory coordinates variable star observations made largely by amateur astronomers; an independent, private research organization with members in more than 40 countries, over 9 million observations to date, it is the world’s largest association of variable star observers in existence. The web site offers a subject index to their journal, online versions of the AAVSO Observing Manual in HTML and PDF, a variable star chart database and more. American Astronomical Society (AAS) Publishers of The Astronomical Journal and The Astrophysical Journal, the society’s web site offers resources to members. Astronomical Society of Australia Publishes the Publications of the ASA, a refereed journal for new and significant research in astrophysics. Sponsors the web site Australian Astronomy, extensive links to astronomical research, teaching, and public education facilities and activities in Australia. Also publishes the ASA Newsletter, issued yearly and free online. Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP) International nonprofit in California; publishes a technical journal, the Mercury Magazine, with abstracts of contents to 1994, including some full-text articles, and the Mercury E-zine, with spillover content from the print version. Excellent source of education resources such as the Universe in the Classroom and Family Astro, which aims to bring hands-on astronomy activities and astronomy events to families of all backgrounds. International Astronomical Union (IAU) promotes and safeguards the science of astronomy in all its aspects through international cooperation. Members are professional astronomers all over the world, at the Ph.D. level or beyond and active in professional research and education in astronomy. It is the official star naming entity, and provides a guide on the subject of naming stars. Space Telescope Science Institute (STSI) Parent organization for the Hubble Telescope, their site links to publications, data, educational resources, software, catalogs, and more. JUST FOR FUN (& EDUCATION!)Ask An Astronomer Run by volunteers in the Astronomy Department at Cornell University. Includes archives of questions on our solar system, the universe, observations, and more. Also includes a page of resources For Teachers, and a page of Astronomy Links. Astronomy Cafe NASA astrophysicist Sten Odenwald has over 20 years of experience in astronomical research and science education, specializing in cosmology and black holes. In addition to publishing more than 50 popular and scientific articles, he has designed and continues to operate this award-winning site. Astronomy Applications Astronomy Workshop Created by Dr. Douglas P. Hamilton and students at the University of Maryland with support from the National Science Foundation. Fun and educational interactive tools to teach basic astronomy concepts; sizes, distances, timelines, and more. A great teaching resource. Bad Astronomy ©2003 Philip Plait, a “real live astronomer” at the physics and astronomy department at Sonoma State University, California. Currently working on a NASA-sponsored program for a satellite named GLAST (Gamma Ray Large Area Space Telescope). The site covers Bad Movies, Bad TV, Bad News and popular Misconceptions. Earth and Sky : Skywatching Center With a variety of tools to help you make the most of your sky gazing; including Tonight’s Sky, a chart of each day’s sky and what you can see in it - also available in printable versions. Other current data such as moon phases, sunrise and sunset, and an observer’s notebook to share your observations. Giant Magellan Telescopes The partners of the Magellan Consortium, a collaboration between the Observatories, the University of Arizona, Harvard University, University of Michigan, and MIT, who are developing a next generation optical/IR telescope, the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT). Concept studies of the telescope and instrument complement are underway that build on the heritage and experience of the Magellan 6.5 meter telescopes, Multiple Mirror Telescope (MMT), and Large Binocular Telescope (LBT), supporting and extending work with ground- and spaced-based facilities that will be built over the coming decade, including the James Webb Space Telescope and the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA). nightskylive.net CONCAMs (CONtinuous CAMera) placed around the world with a fisheye lenses to watch the entire sky every night. Each camera takes a 180-second exposure every 4 minutes, then relays the data back to nightskylive.net. Collectively, these physical CONCAM devices are part of the Night Sky Live project that also includes people, data, web pages, etc. The Night Sky Live project aims to make these images and data available to those who are interested. Selected Teaching Aids: Astronomy for Schools Science Reference Guide is a bibliography of resources for teaching astronomy, compiled by the Library of Congress and maintained on the Science Reference Services web pages. Teaching materials included in this bibliography emphasize an observational and "hands-on" approach to creating a new awareness of our universe. SpaceWeather.com StarDate production of the University of Texas McDonald Observatory; English and Spanish radio programs, popular bimonthly astronomy magazine, and astronomy resources for teachers, the media, and the public. Site has loads of free content, with a searchable program archive, an image gallery, a solar system guide, and more. The Star Pages - Astronomy Yellow Pages The Worlds of David Darling A British astronomer and science writer with interests in astronomy, astrobiology, spaceflight, speculative science (teleportation, time travel, etc), and the nature of consciousness, Darling's site includes his book The Encyclopedia of Astrobiology, Astronomy, and Spaceflight, an alphabetical guide to the universe. EVERYDAY MYSTERIES IN ASTRONOMY What does it mean when they say the universe is expanding? Why is it hot in summer and cold in winter? |
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