MESSENGER is a scientific investigation - by spacecraft - of the planet Mercury. The name comes from "MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging," highlighting the project's broad range of scientific goals. This website features resources for educators and students to understand the mission and scientific discoveries. Educational modules contain standards-based materials and lesson ... Full description.

This Why Files article discusses newly discovered planets outside our solar system and focuses attention on the question: Are we alone in the universe? Topics covered are: how did scientists discover the planets, what besides planets could they be, the upcoming collision of the solar system with a dense cloud of interstellar gas, and scientists' search for intelligent life in outer space. An update ... Full description.

The StarChild website, a service of the High Energy Astrophysics Science Archive Research Center (HEASARC)/NASA, offers a wealth of information on space science for young astronomers and teachers who are searching for space science activities for young learners. Each of these major topics are covered in an age appropriate manner, either for Level 1 or Level 2 learners: Solar System, Universe, Space ... Full description.

This page of Nine Planets highlights details about the planet Mercury. Information includes planet diameter, mass, distance from the Sun, orbit, and mythology. Also covered are composition, surface features, atmosphere and magnetic field data, and the results of exploration spacecraft. The site provides links to images, movies, and more Mercury facts. Unanswered questions about the planet are also ... Full description.

SEDS is an independent, student-based organization which promotes the exploration and development of space. Hosted by the University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, the website offers a virtual tour of the solar system, Hubble Space Telescope images, Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 archives, astronomical maps, constellations, telescope information, Arizona astronomy, a rocketry site, Search for ... Full description.

The "best of" images taken from the Hubble Space Telescope are presented here by the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS). Links to the latest images as well as the Space Telescope Science Institute (makers of the Hubble) are given. Image credits, as well as a detailed description of what is being seen and where it is located in the sky, accompany each image. Full description.

Nebulae are highlighted with images and credits to the photographers on this Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) site. A glossary informs the user of any terms they may need to understand the photos they are viewing. Types of nebulae are explained (emission, reflection, dark, planetary, and supernova remnants). Famous nebulae are shown, such as the Crab, Dumbbell, Cat's Eye, ... Full description.

This section of the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space website contains information on all 88 constellations. A general description about constellations is followed by a database of them, all viewable in either alphabetical order, or by family (such as the zodiacal family of constellations). When viewing a constellation, an enlargable map is shown so the user can locate its stars. ... Full description.

This page contains details about the planet Venus. Information includes planet mass, distance from the Sun, diameter, orbit, and mythology. Also covered is planet composition, surface features, atmosphere and magnetic field data, temperature on the planet, and results of exploration spacecraft. Includes links to images, movies, and additional facts. Discusses unanswered questions about Venus as well. ... Full description.

This Nine Planets page contains details about the planet Mars. Information includes planet diameter, mass, distance from the Sun, orbit, and mythology. Also covered are planet composition, surface features, atmosphere and magnetic field data, temperature on the planet, and results from exploration spacecraft. Phobos and Deimos (Mars satellites) are also covered in depth. The site provides links to ... Full description.