Checking out Mars

NASA scientists are working hard to learn all about planet Mars. In 2001, they launched the spacecraft Odyssey. Odyssey is a science orbiter. It circles Mars and relays information back to scientists.

The orbiter also relays information from Spirit and Opportunity, the two rovers on Mars.

One day, humans will travel to Mars. First we must learn how to live on Mars.

NASA has some fun ways for you to learn about Mars. If you would like to play some online games, go to http://mars10.jpl.nasa.gov/funzone_flash.html

To build an easy model of Mars Odyssey, go to http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/kids/models/Odyssey_Color.pdf

If you would like to learn more about Odyssey, go to http://marsprogram.jpl.nasa.gov/odyssey/

Photo courtesy NASA.

Beautiful Moon

The moon looked like a giant snowball last night. It made me happy just to look at it.

Did you know that you can take a photo of the moon? NASA's Educational Resource Center works with a group called the Micro Observatory. Their "Observe with NASA" (OWN) program connects you with an online telescope. We have taken many pictures with OWN.

After you check with an adult to make sure it is okay, you can take a picture, too. Just go to http://mo-www.harvard.edu/OWN/. You will need to type in your email address and a little personal information, so please ask your mom, dad, or teacher to help you.

The program is free. The website has great information about telescopes. It even has a section for projects and activities.

Once you're on the site, click "Control Telescope." Then you can choose the object you would like to "observe" or photograph. You can choose the moon, or galaxies, or stars. Just follow the online instructions. The next day, Micro Observatory will email your picture to you. This photo is the one that we took last night.

Hope that you have as much fun as we do!