NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Who are NASA's Earth and Space Science Explorers?

The middle school students who track weather to study its effect on bursting tree buds. And the scientist studying black holes in distant galaxies. But also the teacher whose class shares Earth science data with students around the world. And the engineer who designs robotic instruments to probe hard-to-reach planets. All of these people are Earth Explorers, Space Science Explorers or both. The Earth Explorers and Space Science Explorers series features NASA explorers, young and old, with many backgrounds and interests.

Nominate an Earth or Space Science Explorer!

Tell us about the Earth Explorers and Space Science Explorers you know. We're looking for students, teachers, scientists and others who have a connection to NASA, whether they work for the agency or are involved in a NASA-supported mission or program. Send your nominations to Dan Stillman: dan_stillman@strategies.org.

This picture of the Tarantula Nebula was taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. Image Credit: NASA

How old is the universe? How do galaxies form? What are black holes?

These are hard questions. Scientists don't have the full answers. But Hubble has put them on the right track. Hubble is a NASA telescope in space, orbiting Earth. It takes pictures of stars, planets and galaxies that are far away. Scientists learn about the universe by studying the pictures.

Hubble was launched into space in 1990. The space shuttle Atlantis will soon travel to Hubble. Astronauts will make repairs and add new tools to the telescope. Scientists hope the telescope can last at least five more years.

Many people have helped make Hubble a success. Space Science Explorers talked to three of them. They spoke about their work on Hubble and what makes Hubble special. The workers also told how they started to like science. And they gave advice to students who are interested in science.

>  Read Randy Kimble interview.

>  Read Jacqueline Townsend interview.

>  Read Mark Jarosz interview.


Related Resources
NASA Student Programs
Main NASA Hubble Page   →
HubbleSite   →


Dan Stillman, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies