Space Science 1: Science

Chart the evolution of the universe, from origins to destiny, and understand its galaxies, stars, planets, and life.

Other Information:

Mission: Discover how the universe began and evolved, how we got here, where we are going, and whether we are alone. Human beings have always tried to understand their place in the universe. How did we come to exist on Earth? What is the nature of the stars and our galaxy? How far does the universe extend? Increasingly, we are finding scientific answers to these questions. Space pro b e s, space observatories, and computer modeling are revealing a universe that our ancestors never imagined. NASA has been at the forefront of this historic quest for comprehension. The answers may not only explain our past but may also help us understand our future. NEAR TERM PLANS: -Measure fine details of microwave background - Observe structure of collapsed objects, and determine origins of gamma-ray bursts - Observe in infrared the earliest stages of stellar birth, determine composition of material between stars, and learn about early formation of galaxies and of stars in the galaxy - Analyze dust in other planetary systems, and obtain precise distances and velocities for 40 million nearby stars - Investigate Saturn, its rings, and moon Titan. Analyze the structure and composition of comets, understand the history of Mars, and return dust and solar wind samples - Conduct laboratory and field research on the origin of life on Earth (Astrobiology Initiative), and search for water on Mars - Study the dynamics of the Sun’s atmosphere and interior, research the interactions between the solar wind and Earth’s magnetosphere, and view solar coronal mass ejections in 3-D - Obtain images of the Earth’s magnetosphere during geomagnetic storms, search for evidence of water on Mars, and characterize the number and orbits of Near Earth Objects

Objective(s):

1: Structure of the universe

2: Gravity and Energy

3: The genesis and evolution of galaxies, stars, and planets

4: Life on planets of other stars

5: The formation and evolution of our solar system and the Earth

6: The beginning of life on Earth and whether life exists elsewhere in our solar system

7: Our changing Sun and its effects throughout the solar system:

7: Our destiny in the solar system

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