Solar System Links

Lunar Links

Earth's Moon (Luna)
Orbit: 384,400 km from Earth
Diameter: 3476 km
Mass: 7.35e22 kg
Orbital Period: 27.321661 days
Mean Surface Temperature: 107° C (day), -153° C (night)

Our moon is usually available for viewing throughout most of the month, is close to Earth for observing, and provides dramatic views through an amateur telescope. The moon continues to hold our fascination and is an area of study for many amateur astronomers. Our Moon is moving into a higher orbit by about 3.8 centimeters per year. Millions of years from now it will appear much smaller to an observer on Earth.

ALPO Lunar section ALPO Lunar section is a wonderful site for any Lunar enthusiast. Links for Transient Phenomena, Lunar Meteorite Impact Search, and Lunar Eclipse. Includes observing reports from amateur and professional astronomers, LTP Alerts, Bright Lunar Rays Project, and numerous links to related information for the Lunar observer. An extra feature on the web site is an online version of "Apollo over the Moon A View from Orbit", by Harold Masursky, G. W. Colton, and Farouk EL-Baz. and other contributors. A very through presentation of Lunar science & imaging, Lunar features, Lunar missions, bibliography, and a glossary. Images included with the text are from the Apollo metric camera system on board Apollo missions 15-17.
American Lunar Society Site dedicated to the study of the moon. The ALS is composed of amateurs and professionals who are involved in lunar observation and research. Articles, photo of the month, lunar observing equipment and reviews, assortment of lunar links and a newsletter.
Apollo Lunar Surface Journal NASA web site containing a treasure trove of the Apollo missions, created by Eric M. Jones, Gordon Roxburgh and NASA. Contains historical transcripts from Apollo missions 11-17, images, diagrams, Apollo Glossary, Lunar landing site coordinates, engineering of spacecraft, space suits, the Lunar Rover, Ulrich Lotzmann's Apollo Sketch Book, and much more fascinating historical information. Additional links to further Apollo mission history, and images also available.
Astronomical League Lunar Club Certificate Program The Astronomical Leagues Lunar Observing Club is a wonderful tool to learn how to observe the many geographical features on the the moon. You must be a member of the Astronomical League to participate. You are provided with the Lunar Club guide which will show you 100 features to observe on the Moon's surface. These features are broken down into three categories, naked eye 18 features, binocular 46 features, and the telescopic section has 36 lunar features. The features must be observed at different times throughout the month as they become visible during the different lunar phases. A very nice introduction to Lunar study for the beginning amateur astronomer.
Clementine- DSPSE Site for the Clementine Mission maintained by the Naval Research Laboratory. Lots of imagery, Clementine data, and links to more Clementine sites. Engaging web site for the lunar enthusiast.
Clementine Project Information NASA NASA site for the Clementine Project. A large assortment of detailed lunar images and information on Clementine experiments, data, links.
Consolidated Lunar Atlas Site contains Digital renditions created and edited by Eric J. Douglass from the The Consolidated Lunar Atlas by Gerald P. Kuiper, Ewen A. Whitaker, Robert G. Strom, John W. Fountain, and Stephen M. Larson. Impressive collection of detailed Lunar images.
Discover the Moon NASA Web site with a computer generated 3-D globe of the Moon. Get out your 3-D glasses! Brought to you by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
Lunar Atlases Site from the National Space Science Data Center. Great fun to explore the moon. Lots of links to other Lunar sites as well.
Lunar Exploration Timeline NASA Complete chronological listing of all past, present and future Lunar missions, USA, Russian, and Japanese. Detailed information available on each mission. An excellent resource.
Lunar Phase Tool Learn about the phases of our Moon. Web site created by Prof. Lawrence A. Molnar Dept. of Physics & Astronomy at Calvin College. He provides a Java applet quiz to learn the phases of the moon, and a tutorial explaining the moon phases. Related links are available.
Lunar Photo of the Day Web site created in January of 2004 by Anthony Ayiomamitis and Charles Wood. Rapidly becoming a very popular web site for Lunar enthusiasts and the general public. The site features a new lunar image each day contributed by amateur and professional astronomers with a brief caption and links for each image. An archive of all images is available. A wonderful site for any Lunar enthusiast.
Lunar and Planetary Institute The Lunar and Planetary Institute is located in Houston, TX. The institute provides forums, meetings, workshops and other academic pursuits to gain an understanding of our Solar System. The Institute web site offers many web pages with information on the current research in Lunar and Planetary studies. Numerous related links for teachers and anyone with an interest in Lunar & Planetary research.
Lunar and Planetary Observation and CCD Imaging Site created by Antonio Cidado. A site that shows imagery of the Moon according to sections of Antonin Rukl's "Atlas of the Moon". A good site if you don't have a copy of Mr. Rukl's book.
Lunar Prospector NASA web site for the Lunar Prospector mission. The Lunar Prospector spacecraft was launched on 1/6/1998, on board an Athena II Launch vehicle. The Lunar Prospector was the first NASA mission to return to the Moon in 25 years. The Lunar Prospector mission was designed to study the Lunar surface & Geological structures, search for evidence of polar ice deposits, and to measure Lunar magnetic & gravity fields. The Prospector orbited the Moon for one year and during its mission obtained critical evidence of Lunar ice on both Lunar poles. The mission ended on 7/31/1999 when the spacecraft impacted the South Lunar Pole. The Lunar Prospector also gained notoriety as it carried some of Eugene Shoemaker's ashes on board the spacecraft. The web site provides history of the mission, images, science data, educational links, glossary and links to related web sites.
The Lunar Observer An independent newsletter for students of the Moon. Edited by Bill Dembowski who is ALPO coordinator of Lunar Topographical Studies, President of the American Lunar Society, and coordinator of the Bright Lunar Waves Project. This site provides access to the monthly online newsletter that you can download & print out.
The Lunascan Project This site provides information on Lunar Transient Phenomena. They also have an email list to keep current in this area. Lots of links can be found here. Created by Francis Ridge.
Inconstant Moon Inconstant Moon is divided into three main sections: Lunar Tours - a nightly illustrated guide to what is visible on the Moon, Cyclopedia Selenica - reference library with articles, bookstore, web guide and interactivities, and Selenographia - a zooming, panning, cross-referenced atlas of the Moon. Very useful site for the lunar observer.
McDonald Observatory Moon Information Basic Moon information and data.
Moon Data & Current Moon Phase Web site from Space.com which provides basic information about the Moon and what causes Lunar phases. Web site provides many web pages full of moon information, Lunar lore, discussion on theories of how the Moon was created, a guide to upcoming Solar and Lunar eclipses, an archive of past moon articles at Space.com and numerous links to related information.
The Moon SEDS Site created by Mr. Bill Arnett and students from SEDS at the University of Arizona chapter of the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory. There are a lot of superb links to topics on Lunar & Planetary Science.
The Moon Society An international non-profit educational and scientific foundation formed to further scientific study and development of the moon. Promoting interest in exploration research, development, and habitation of the Moon.
NASA's Moon Page Site contains an index to Lunar images, references, Moon FAQ's, past missions to the Moon, future missions, and several links for more reading and study.
NASA's Moon Quick Facts sheet NASA quick guide to Moon provides a Moon-Earth comparison describing Bulk parameters, Orbital parameters, and composition of the Lunar Atmosphere. Web site includes numerous links to related web sites.
Origin of the Moon Online version of the Origin of the Moon which is based on a presentation presented at the Conference on the Origin of the Moon, held in Kona, Hawaii, October 1984. Edited by W.K. Hartmann, R.J. Phillips, G. J. Taylor. & various authors. Topics include, History, Dynamical Constraints, Geochemical Constraints, Geophysical Constraints, Theories & Processes of Origin 1-4. Also includes a glossary, subject index, and author index.
SEDS The Moon From Mr. Bill Arnett and the University of Arizona SEDS (Students for the Exploration and Development of Space) Lunar Tutorial and FAQ, very comprehensive and informative, extensive links.
Solar System Exploration JPL/NASA site. Basic Moon information, links to Lunar missions, images, education and activities.
USGS Moon Viewer The Moon viewer used on this USGS site is a very complex program and may require a long download time if you use a dial-up connection. The Moon viewer provides a mosaic image of the entire Lunar surface created by using images from the Clementine Lunar orbiter. The program has many features to enable the user to view any area of the Lunar surface in close detail. You can apply topographical features, nomenclature, use the zoom feature, change the grid from 5x5 degrees to 30x30 degrees. This program is used by USGS scientists and they have offered it via the Internet for use by the general public. The web site includes a thorough tutorial to assist in using this remarkable Lunar Viewer.
US Naval Observatory Moonrise, Moonset Data The USNO provides data and tables for Moon rise and set information worldwide. Searchable by city locations in the US or by International locations. They have included a FAQ sheet on Moon phases and Illumination. Information data and images of current moon phases Universal Time, Rise Set and Twilight definitions, and numerous links for additional information.
Virtual Atlas of the Moon Developed by Christian Legrand and Patrick Chevalley . The atlas provides a unique user friendly tool for Moon observing and the study of Lunar features. Available free to download, requires Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2000/XP. Includes Clementine image data of both the near side and far side of the Moon.
Yahoo Lunar-Observing group Yahoo discussion group for the Lunar enthusiast owned & moderated by David Bell. Web site provides discussion forum, links, and a large collection of Lunar images from the group members. If you are new to lunar observing this is a very friendly and helpful group. Group has 653 members.

Meteors & Near Earth Objects

American Meteor Society The American Meteor Society is a non-profit scientific organization established to encourage and support the research activities of both amateur and professional astronomers who are interested in the field of Meteor Astronomy. The American Meteor Society was founded in 1911 by the late Dr. Charles P. Olivier. Web site topics include Meteor Showers, Fireball Sightings, Visual Observing, Radio Observing, and Spectroscopy. A very large web site with many images, educational information to help understand meteors, photos, and numerous external links to related web sites.
Asteroid Comet Impact Hazards NASA web site providing discussion and information to understand the Torino Scale. The Torino Scale was created by Professor Richard P. Binzel in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, at MIT in 1999. It provides information on research efforts to understand the hazards posed by near-Earth objects. The Torino Scale is a method to calculate and categorize the Earth impact hazard associated with newly discovered asteroids and comets. The web site contains many web pages and links to related web sites and further reading.
Barringer Meteorite Crater A fascinating look at the Barringer Meteorite Crater located near Holbrook Arizona. The crater is believed to have been caused by the impact of a meteorite over 50,000 years ago. The Barringer crater was first discovered by early explorers late in the 19th century. In that era it was called "Canyon del diablo". Karl Gilbert a geologist with the USGS made the first survey and study of the crater in 1891. He was the first scientist to suggest that the crater was the result of a meteor impact. Several years later Daniel M. Barringer a mining engineer formed the Standard Iron Company, and began mining operations at the site. After 27 years of operations Barringers' only success was convincing scientists that the crater was the result of an impact. It was studied once again many decades later by Dr. Eugene Shoemaker. He compared Barringer crater to those craters created by nuclear bomb tests and concluded that the craters were similar in structure. The web site provided by Barringer Crater Company discusses the history of the crater, Daniel Barringer, information on meteorites, and links to related web sites and resources for further reading.
Fersman Mineralogical Museum The Fersman Mineralogical Museum located in Moscow, Russia was originally founded in 1716. The web site provides a gallery of the museum's collection of Meteorites and includes samples from 447 falls. Many photos of the meteorite collection are available with text and meteorite information. Also provided a virtual tour of the museum, mineralogy & gem exhibits, a history of the museum, & numerous links to related web sites.
IAU Minor Planet Center Informative web site on Minor Planet Information, reporting, databases, Minor Planet ephemeris, Earth Orbiting Space Junk tracker. Many links to aid in observations and orbits of minor planets and comets.
International Meteor Organization The International Meteor Organization (IMO) is an international organization created to provide a network for amateur meteor observing and study. This network provides a resource for amateur astronomers who are interested in meteor phenomenon. By participating in scientific programs and sharing meteor observations with other observers, amateur meteor enthusiasts can improve their observing skills. The IMO web site offers guides for visual observers, telescopic observation, photographic & video techniques, fireball observing, and radio observing. In addition the web site includes observational results and several databases, mailing lists, journals, and numerous links to related web sites.
Kuiper Belt by Dr. David Jewitt Dr. David Jewitt is a Professor, at the Department of Physics & Astronomy and Astronomer, at the Institute for Astronomy, at the University of Hawaii. His web site provides a thorough overview on Kuiper Belt Objects. He utilizes images obtained with the University of Hawaii Telescopes, diagrams and information from the IAU's Minor Planet Center to enhance his site. He provides a Minor Planet & Comet Ephemeris, latest research being preformed at the University, and a variety of additional resources. A very inclusive web site for those interested in this research.
Lunar Meteorites Web site from Washington University in St. Louis. An introduction to Lunar meteorites (lunaites). These rocks which have been found on Earth are believed to be the result of an impact by a comet or asteroid with our Moon. This web site provides a thorough a detailed discussion of Lunar Meteorites with images, photos, and a glossary. Additional links to related web sites are also available.
Meteor Activity Outlook Weekly meteor activity updates from Robert Lunsford of the American Meteor Society.
Meteorites and Meteor Craters Brief article written by W.U. Reimold Department of Geology, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. Discusses meteorites and impact craters in Africa.
Meteororbs Internet Forum The Meteororbs web site provides a discussion forum for anyone interested in meteors, meteor astronomy and observing meteors. The web site presents an archive of past discussions, a meteor FAQ's, meteor observing guide, telescopic meteor observing, and links to related web sites.
Meteors, Meteorites, Impacts SEDS Bill Arnett and the University of Arizona SEDS (Students for the Exploration and Development of Space) Meteorite site. FAQ's, tutorials, and extensive links.
Meteorites & Their Properties David A. Kring Site created by David Kring of the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory at the Department of Planetary Sciences, University of Arizona. Tutorial on meteorites. Images, definitions, descriptions, finding meteorites.
The Meteoritical Society The Meteoritical Society is a non-profit organization founded in 1933 to promote the study of extraterrestrial materials and their history. The Society keeps records of all known meteorites, publishes a journal, provides links to educational websites, information on meteorites and planetary science.
Meteorite Magazine The International Quarterly of Meteorites and Meteorite Science.
Mineralogical Society of America The Mineralogical Society of America has an outstanding web site for anyone who is interested in minerals, rocks, and planetary materials. The web site provides an online version of the journal "American Mineralogist" a journal of Earth & Planetary Minerals, and numerous links to related resources and web sites.
MIT Linear Program Project from MIT & NASA & the USAF using technology originally developed for the surveillance of earth orbiting satellites, and applying it to the problem of detecting and cataloging Near Earth Asteroids or NEO's. The LINEAR program uses a pair of GEODSS telescopes at Lincoln Laboratory's Experimental Test Site on the White Sands Missile Range in Socorro, NM.
NEO Information UK UK site to learn about the nature of NEO's and the hazard they pose, find out what efforts are being made to detect NEO's from a UK perspective. NEO Database, resources, NEO knowledge, NEO FAQ's, newsletter, NEO space missions, and many links.
Near Earth Object Dynamic Site This NEO site provides information and a database for all Near Earth Asteroids. Currently there are 2412 objects in the NEODyS database. You can search by an object list, by observatory location ( 1041 observatories), orbital parameters, close approaches, and by current observability. The NEODys is maintained by the Space Mechanics group at the Dept. of Mathematics, University of Pisa, Italy.
Near-Earth Object Project NASA/JPL Site by Ron Baalke, Jet Propulsion Laboratory Pasadena, California. NEO Program, news, updates, orbit diagrams, orbit elements, close approaches, impact risks, NEO observing tools, images, space missions, NEO links. Very instructive site.
North American Meteor Network The North American Meteor Network (NAMN) is dedicated to educational and outreach work. They also collect information and observing reports on meteors and fireballs. The NAMN publishes a monthly electronic newsletter. The NAMN web site offers meteor observing aids, a 2003 meteor shower calendar, meteor FAQ's, and other links to other meteor web sites.
Planetary Studies Foundation Basic Meteorite information from the PSF. The Planetary Studies Foundation web site provides educational materials in the areas of astronomy, meteorites, planetary science and space exploration.

Planetary Topics

Association of Lunar & Planetary Observers The Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers was founded by Walter H. Haas in 1947. The ALPO web site is a superb web site for any enthusiast of our Moon, the Planets, and our Solar System. The web site is large and provides an assortment of tools, guides and information. Included on the web site is an index to all the various ALPO sections, links to the ALPO Journal (past issues are archived), a JPL Ephemeris Generator & a JPL Solar System Simulator. In addition you will find many tutorials on planetary topics, and numerous links to related resources and web sites.
ALPO Mars Section This web site features the Mars section of the Association of Lunar & Planetary Observers (ALPO). This is a wonderful site for any Mars enthusiast. You will find numerous web pages offering many features to enhance your observations of Mars. Topics include; Mars observing alerts and recent reports from amateur and professional astronomers, Mars software and articles, a Mars ephemerides, Mars observers tool kit, Mars watch information from the ALPO and the Astronomical League, Mars maps, Mars observing forms to print and use in your observations, and Mars email news lists. In addition you will find numerous links to related resources for further reading. This web site is of great value to anyone interested in Mars.
California & Carnegie Planet Search Research Center for the study of Extrasolar Planets, latest news and updates on new discoveries, links to other resources on Extrasolar Planets, Almanac of Extrasolar Planets, Research Papers, and Journals.
Cassini-Huygens The Cassini-Huygens Spacecraft mission to Saturn is a joint effort between NASA, ESA, and the Italian Space Agency. The spacecraft is both an orbiter and a probe. The satellite is due to arrive in orbit at Saturn in July of 2004. The spacecraft was launched on 10/15/1997 on board a Titan IV-B/Centaur launch vehicle. The Cassinin-Huygens has two mission objectives; An orbiter will study Saturn and its moons for four years, in mid-January the Huygens Probe will descend into Titans atmosphere and land on the surface. The Cassini-Huygens web site encompasses several web pages. Included are a thorough description of the science & technology of the spacecraft, image gallery, latest updates, educational links (K-12), mission history, and numerous links to related web sites.
Cassini-Huygens Photojournal NASA/JPL web site that releases new images daily from the Cassini spacecraft. Interesting site to see changing images as the Cassini spacecraft approaches Saturn. Several links to related web sites.
Cornell/Athena Mars Web site The Cornell/Athena web site provides an educational program for students, teachers & the general public. Mars mission updates, news, rover timeline and images for the Mars exploration rovers. Keep up to date with the latest information on the two Mars space craft "Spirit & Opportunity". Several links to related web sites are also provided.
Earth & Moon Viewer Site created by John Walker. John's software program allows you to view either a map of the Earth showing the day and night regions at this moment, or view the Earth from the Sun, the Moon, the night side of the Earth, above any location on the planet specified by latitude, longitude, and altitude, from a satellite in Earth orbit, or above various cities around the globe. Very appealing site.
Extrasolar Planets Encyclopedia Jean Schneider of the Paris Observatory created this site. Overview of detection methods and tutorials, Extrasolar Planets Catalog, searches for Extrasolar Planets, Extrasolar Planets Bibliography and Reports, vast links to other resources, missions, and research.
Department of Planetary Sciences Lunar & Planetary Lab LPL home page. Explore their current programs, and research. Topics include Atmospheres, Spacecraft missions, Mercury Studies, Space physics, the Spacewatch Project. Very educational site, with many reference links.
Drive On Mars Take a 3D tour of Mars from Digital Space. Requires Quicktime drive on the surface of Mars with a virtual rover. A variety of tours are including, Opportunity, Spirit, gentle terrain & hilly terrain. Use the RAT (rock abrasion tool), and select various targets to explore.
Geoplayer Mars Demo Web site from Geofusion using the GeoMatrix Toolkit software. After you download the program you will be able to navigate the entire surface of Mars, view landing sites, take virtual tours, and view terrain close ups.
International MarsWatch Web site for amateur and professional Mars observers. Keep up to date and learn about the latest developments in observations and imaging techniques used to observe Mars, oppositions, newsletters, links to A.L.P.O. Mars section, links for further study.
Interstellar Trip Planner Web page from NASA's Planet Quest program. Fun interactive Flash player lets you select an object and then a vehicle for transport. Helps to understand the time required to reach nearby Planets and distant stars.
Kepler Mission The Kepler Mission is a NASA mission scheduled for launch sometime in 2007. The Kepler spacecraft is under development to search for Earth sized planets around stars beyond our solar system. The Kepler spacecraft will use a spaceborne photometer which will enable scientists to study the structure & diversity of other planetary systems in the habitable zone of our galaxy. The Kepler web site provides an overview of the mission, images & diagrams of the Kepler satellite, scientific goals, and numerous links to related web sites and resources.
Lunar & Planetary Institute 3-D tour of the Solar System Fun site, grab your 3D glasses and take a 3D tour of our solar system. Images available in 3D with text and descriptions. You can order the full 150 image set from the Lunar & Planetary Institute.
Maestro From this web site offered by JPL at Cal Tech you can explore Mars with the same program that NASA scientists use to operate the Mars Rovers Spirit and Opportunity. Download Maestro and look at Mars the way NASA does! This is a light version of the actual JPL software. Check the web site frequently for updates. Also available forums, online manual, and Maestro FAQ's. A very educational way to view actual raw images from the rovers, and learn about the technology involved.
Malin Space Science Systems Malin Space Science Systems designs, develops, and operates instruments that fly on unmanned spacecraft. They designed the Mars Global Surveyor which replaced the Mars Observer spacecraft that was lost in 1993. The Malin web site provides a huge database of Mars images, and data from the MGS spacecraft. Other missions included the Mars Deep Space 2, Mars Polar Lander (MARDI), Mars Climate Orbiter (MARCI), Mars Observer Camera (MOC), Clementine (Lunar) imaging analysis, Magellan (Venus), and Comets And Asteroids. A wonderful web site to view the latest Mars images. They also offer a MOC target request service that allows a user to request images to be taken by the MOC satellite of a specific site on Mars. Numerous links to related information are available.
MarsQuest Online MarsQuest Online provides a fun virtual exploration of Mars by Rovers, and Mars images. You can launch a space vehicle to Mars, drive a Mars rover, fly over Mars in 3D, Mars Mysteries, explore volcanoes, canyons, and other Mars features. A large assortment of external links to related science and information are also available.
Mars Society US The goal of the Mars Society is to advance the study and eventual settlement of Mars. The Mars Society is an international organization. Other international sites are also available. The web site Mars Society web site includes latest news, updates, current research station links, email lists, and many links to related web sites.
NASA/JPL Solar System Simulator This simulator lets you view Solar System objects in beautiful full color and detail from a variety of view points. A wonderful planetarium on your computer. Easy to use and a very good teaching tool to use in the home or in the classroom.
NSSDC Planetary Sciences The National Space Science Data Center is NASA's archive for Lunar & Planetary data and images. The web site provides a variety of resources from various NASA Catalogs, online books, and many related Internet resources. You will find information and images of Solar System objects, planetary FAQ's, information on current and future Planetary Missions, and many educational resources.
The Nine Planets Wonderful and educational site created by Bill Arnett. A multimedia tour of our solar system. Very engaging web site that 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 and links to relevant information. Site includes a Glossary and sources of Planetary images available on the Internet. Plan on spending a lot of time at this splendid web site.
Planet Quest NASA/JPL educational and interactive web site featuring the latest information on extrasolar planet research and discoveries. Large web site provides an overview of the science of extrasolar planets, the Space Interferometry Mission, the Terrestrial Planet Finder mission, technology of optical interferometry, Explore the Universe in 3D with the New Worlds Atlas (uses Shockwave), a Multimedia gallery, guide for educators and scientists, press releases, and numerous links to related web sites and resources.
Planetary Image Atlas NASA/JPL This NASA web site provides a assortment of searchable images and data from Mars Global Surveyor, Galileo, Voyager, Mars, Pathfinder, Viking, Lander Viking Orbiter, Magellan, and Clementine. Uses Java map search Interface, and HTML Forms search Interface. Web site provides thorough help for using all the tools and queries.
Planetary Photojournal NASA The Planetary Photojournal provides an interface to the Planetary Image Archive (PIA). This is a large web site providing images and data on all objects in our Solar System. In order to view planetary satellites you need to start with the Planet first and then proceed to the satellites for that planet. The interface uses a variety of search queries; Identifying number, by mission, by spacecraft, by a particular instrument, feature name, and by collection. This web site is very large and encompasses many web pages and related links.
The Planetary Society The Planetary Society was founded in 1980 by Carl Sagan, Bruce Murray, and Louis Friedman to encourage the exploration of our solar system and the search for extraterrestrial life. You can join this wonderful mission and help provide for future research.
Ralph Aeschliman Planetary Cartography and Graphics Ralph Aeschliman was a cartographer for the USGS Astrogeology group in Flagstaff, Arizona for eleven years. Now he continues his work as a freelance Cartographer. His web site features beautiful detailed cartographic maps of Mars and the Moon. He is also working on maps for Venus. Great site for the Mars observer.
SEDS SEDS is an independent, student-based organization which promotes the exploration and development of space. Founded in 1980 at MIT and Princeton. The SEDS website offers SEDS history & Project overview, How to start a SEDS chapter, information on SEDS speakers, tours, discussion groups, NASA links, Space gallery, and current news & technology.
The Shallow Sky Web site created by Akkana Peck. Shallow Sky features an Email List for Lunar & Planetary Observers, a Mars guide, and a list of recommended Lunar & Planetary books, links to her astronomy software and related web sites.
Solar System Exploration NASA Web site from the office of Space Science at NASA. Vast collection of tutorials, links, missions, technology, and research
The Solar System in Pictures A web site created by Alwyn Botha that features a gallery of images from various NASA resources. A large site with 315 web pages, it is targeted for Middle school and up. A series of questions and answers about each object is provided to help learn about the Solar System.
Terrestrial Planets Web site from George Mason University provides a basic tutorial on terrestrial planets. Focus is on Mercury, Venus & Mars. Provides an overview, Terrain Shaping Process, Planet Surfaces, Influences of Planetary Atmospheres, Atmospheric Structure & Evolution, Internal Structure & Model Interiors. Text only, no further links.
Transitsearch.org Web site that encourages amateur astronomers to participate in discovering transiting extrasolar planets. The transitsearch.org site provides up-to-date ephemeris and transit search results for all known extrasolar planets. All that is required to participate in the project is a telescope, a CCD and Focal Reducer, and a computer and software. The features of the web site include, transit candidates with ephemeris, a FAQ's, PDF publications of the project, Transit search observing procedures and information, message board, and links to related web sites.
USGS Astrogeology Research Program Introduction to Astrogeology from the USGS. Information on our Solar System, Space Missions, Technology, Research, Image gallery, links for further reading.
USGS Planetary Nomenclature USGS web site features information and data on Planetary Nomenclature from one of many USGS research programs available to the public. Planetary nomenclature, like terrestrial nomenclature, is used to uniquely identify a feature on the surface of a planet or its' satellite. The web site provides detailed information about all names of topographic and albedo features on planets and satellites. This Web site is very large and contains many web pages that provide a vast collection of data, articles, topographical maps, radar imagery, PDF files, and a history of Planetary Nomenclature. Numerous links to related web sites and further information are offered.
Transitofvenus.org Web site created by Chuck Bueter of the Great Lake Planetarium Association. A brilliant web site with a vast amount of information and resources for the 2004 transit. Historical information, Venus FAQ's, science & mathematics, activities, observing safety, and numerous links.
Transit of Venus Web site created by Juergen Giesen. If you are not able to see the June 8, 2004 transit of Venus this is a wonderful website. Jurgen provides applets which demonstrate transit motion, planetary motion, a Venus transit observer, and a Mercury & Venus phase applet. Several of the web pages are in German so you will need to translate them to read in English. Many links to related web sites.
The 1882 Transit of Venus An interesting site discussing the historical 1882 transit of Venus as seen from the Huguenot Seminary in Wellington, South Africa in 1882. Interesting reading in preparation for the 2004 transit of Venus. Old photos, drawings, and related links are provided.
Venus Transit 2004 ESA Web site of the European Space Agency providing coverage of the 2004 Venus transit. The Venus Transit ESA program invites all interested astronomers, amateur & professional, teachers, and the general public to participate in this historical celestial event. During the transit the ESA will provide real-time coverage of the event. Participants are encouraged to provide data for the "Earth to Sun Measurements" using guidelines and parameters from the ESO web site. You will need to register to participate. You may also contribute your images and sketches of the transit to the project. Complete instructions and related information is provided along with numerous related links.
Views of the Solar System Web site created by Calvin J. Hamilton. Provides a multimedia tour of our solar system, using text, images & drawings. Also provides a glossary and numerous links to related web sites. Similar to the Nine Planets.
Yahoo group Alpo-Jupiter Yahoo email network for the Jupiter Section of the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers. Web site provides a discussion forum, Files, Links and many images from group members. A great site for amateur astronomers who want to keep up with events and current information on Jupiter.