German Rosat spacecraft re-entered over Bay of Bengal

The tumbling German satellite Rosat re-entered the Earth's atmosphere over the Bay of Bengal, the German space agency (DLR) has confirmed.

This means any satellite components that survived the fiery plunge would have splashed into the ocean, avoiding populated areas.

Nasa launches spacecraft for moon orbit

Nasa has launched a rocket from Florida carrying two spacecraft that will eventually map tiny variations in the pull of gravity around the moon.

It is hoped the information will give scientists a fresh insight into the moon's internal structure.

The data will also be used for future exploration, enabling other spacecraft to make more precise landings.
 

Destination Titan

It's a voyage of exploration like no other - to Titan, Saturn's largest moon and thought to resemble our own early Earth. For a small team of British scientists this would be the culmination of a lifetime's endeavour - the flight alone, some 2 billion miles, would take a full seven years. This is the story of the space probe they built, the sacrifices they made and their hopes for the landing. Would their ambitions survive the descent into the unknown on Titan's surface?

Moon phases and Solar System 3D view

Make sure that you have a facebook account to access this useful material.

How can the moon give us clean energy?

A few decades ago, the pursuit of clean energy was "green." Now, it's a necessity. Not only is our power consumption propelling the human race toward a hot, watery, lonely end, but clean energy tends also to be renewable. And renewable energy is the name of the game when current primary power sources are dirty, finite or both.

Orbit Viewer applet

the orbits shown in the applet are color coded. The planets are white lines, and the asteroid/comet is a blue line. The bright white line indicates the portion of the orbit that is above the ecliptic plane, and the darker portion is below the ecliptic plane. Likewise for the asteroid/comet orbit, the light blue indicates the portion above the ecliptic plane, and the dark blue the portion below the ecliptic plane.

Quick guide to the Solar System

If Jupiter were much larger it would be a star in its own right! Enjoy Astronomer Marek Kukula's eloquent guide to the Sun, the planets and the outer reaches of the Solar System.

The Sky at Night

The Nasa spacecraft Dawn is getting up close and personal with the asteroid Vesta. Sir Patrick Moore discusses the first fly-by images of this most unusual asteroid.

The Hawking Paradox

For thirty years the most famous scientist in the world defended an extraordinary idea, an idea some claimed would undermine the whole of science. It was called the information paradox and it led one opponent to dub Hawking 'the most stubborn man in the universe'. But finally Hawking had to admit that he'd been wrong all along. Now, as he nears the end of his extraordinary career, Hawking's scientific legacy is being called into question like never before.

Part 1  Part 2  Part 3  Part 4  Part 5

Does ET really exist? Is there life on other worlds?

The search for life on other worlds has been compared to identifying a single grain of sand on the Moon, yet the quest goes on despite the lack of concrete evidence to support the existence of other life forms. This edition of 'Space: Flying Visits' examines how the hunt will move forward with the further exploration of Mars and Europa, a moon of Jupiter, before the planned launch of a series of laser-controlled, Earth-orbiting telescopes in 2025.

Alien world is blacker than coal

Astronomers have discovered the darkest known exoplanet – a distant, Jupiter-sized gas giant known as TrES-2b. Their measurements show that TrES-2b reflects...

Solar sails and wormholes may provide man with a key to the stars

Entirely new methods of transportation will be necessary if man is to conquer the vast distances between Earth and the stars. These could be probes powered with ion drives, solar sails driven by the Sun or wormholes capable of harnessing the power of a dying star and travelling to the farthest reaches of the universe.

The Sun and the planets

It is relatively easy to spot five of the planets in our Solar System. Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn are all visible with the naked eye.

Mars rover aims for deep crater

Nasa's next Mars rover will be aimed at one of the planet's deepest craters.

Space shuttle: The darker view of the end of an era

As space shuttle Atlantis's wheels touched down in Florida on Thursday, the shuttles' epoch of defining manned spaceflight came to a close. What comes next for the US space agency is a new way of running things - but not everyone is happy about it.

Shuttle retirement ushers in new era

The cheers and the tears. The Atlantis shuttle returned from space on Thursday, book-ending the 135-flight sequence of Nasa's re-usable spaceplanes.

Viewpoint: The space shuttle - 'magnificent flying machine'

As the icon for 30 years of human spaceflight conducted by the United States, the space shuttle symbolises impressive technical and social achievements.

Space 50
This is a national event sponsored by the British National Space Centre to celebrate 50 years of Britain in space. Visit today to find out about events in your area, latest space news and even a giant radio telescope made of bales of straw!

http://www.space50.org.uk

British National Space Centre
The British National Space Centre (BNSC) is at the heart of UK efforts to explore and exploit space. A government-funded body it has lots of material to interest people of all ages and a wide range of knowledge about space.
http://www.bnsc.gov.uk

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
With one of the largest websites devoted to space anywhere NASA is a must-visit site for anyone with even a passing interest in space! And some great photographs and educational resources too!

http://www.nasa.gov


National Space Centre
The award winning National Space Centre is the UK's largest attraction dedicated to space. From the minute you catch sight of the Space Centre's futuristic Rocket Tower, you 'll be treated to hours of breathtaking discovery and interactive fun. And conveniently located in Leicester!

http://www.spacecentre.co.uk


European Space Agency
The European Space Agency is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe. The site includes news of events in your area, information about the latest space developments and much more.

http://www.esa.int/esaCP

Science and Technology Facilities Council
This link takes you to a page listing planetaria and other space-related locations. Some great ideas for school visits. The page was created in 2004 so it would be wise to check with the venue before booking your coach!

Spaces worth a visit