This article from Astrobiology Magazine reports on the discovery of water in "cold" regions of space. Using data from the European Space Agency's Infrared Space Observatory, astronomers have determined that water is abundant in these cold, or quiescent regions of space where there are no stars, and that the majority of it occurs as ice with a small amount of water vapor. It is thought that these cold ... Full description.

In this activity, students construct a "comet" from ingredients similar to those found in actual comets. They will learn about the behavior of a real comet by observing their model as the dry ice sublimates, and understand the concept of scale as they compare the size of their model to the size of a real comet. A list of materials and instructions are provided. This activity can be performed as a ... Full description.

This set of images summarizes what scientists currently know about the occurrence of water ice and water vapor on the terrestrial planets and satellites in our Solar System. Accompanied by a brief description, the Jpeg images show the ice cap at Mars' south pole, ice rafting on Europa, liquid water covering the surface of Earth (the famous 'Blue Marble' photo), and an impact crater on the Moon that ... Full description.

In this classroom exercise, students will "build" a comet using representative materials. Learning outcomes, concepts, and a link to the comet "recipe" are provided. Safety tips, comet facts, and links to additional information are also included. Full description.

This article discusses the necessity of locating water ice as astronauts explore the solar system, for oxygen and fuel as well as for drinking. Topics include the possible occurrence of ice at the lunar poles and in comets, and some of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) missions to locate it. Full description.

This article discusses the possible occurrence of water in our solar system. Topics include the necessity of liquid water for life, distribution of water throughout the solar system, and the possibility that there may be liquid water on Mars or on some of Jupiter's moons. Full description.

This article examines the evidence for recent liquid water on Mars. NASA scientists believe that piles of crater-topped debris snapped by the Mars orbiter were caused by the teakettle explosion of water through volcanic lava flows at the planet's equator and are the best evidence yet for recent liquid water at the Red Planet. Researchers believe that lava flows advanced over wet ground, causing steam ... Full description.

This lithograph uses images of the Orion constellation to illustrate how a common astronomical object appears in both visible light and in the infrared. The back of the lithograph tells the history of infrared light and explains the benefits of infrared astronomy. Full description.

In this activity, students design and build scientific instruments to study the Sun using inexpensive, everyday materials. Precision in construction and measurement are emphasized, as well as re-design to improve the quality of data. Activity theme areas include instrumentation, observation, and satellite engineering. The activities are aligned with National Science and Mathematic Education Standards. ... Full description.

This interactive field trip features interviews with scientists and technicians who work in the Genesis cleanroom at NASA Johnson Space Center. The field trip includes an interactive diagram of the laboratory with photos of various areas. Video shows scientists donning cleanroom clothing, washing samples, and assembling sampling wafers onto the array frame of the Genesis probe. Full description.