Papers in PDF format

Introduction
Windows to the Universe
Dr. Roberta Johnson
Space Physics Research Laboratory
The University of Michigan, USA
rmjohnsn@umich.edu
Dr. Claudia Alexander, Cal Tech, USA,
Dr. Sandra Barlett, Turn of the Century Software, USA,
Mr. Michael Burek, Space Physics Research Laboratory, The University of Michigan, USA,
Mr. Theodore Clarke, Cal Tech, USA,
Dr. Joan Durrance, School of Information, The University of Michigan, USA,
Dr. James Green, Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA, USA,
Dr. Janet Kozyra, Space Physics Research Laboratory, The University of Michigan, USA,
Dr. Jon Linker, SAIC, USA,
Mr. David Mastie, Ann Arbor Public Schools, USA,
Mr. Paul Orselli, Long Island Children's Museum, USA,
Dr. Craig Rasmussen, Turn of the Century Software, USA,
Mr. Rivard Redding, Ann Arbor Hands On Museum, USA, and
Dr. Terry Weymouth, Turn of the Century Software, USA.
Abstract: Windows to the Universe is a World Wide Web site that presents information
about the Earth and space sciences as well as related historical and cultural topics to the
general public in an attractive and user-friendly way. The site makes extensive use
graphically annotated button panels to allow intuitive navigation through the site. The site is
graphics intensive, providing access to a rich archive of images, movies, animations, and data
collected by satellites, spacecraft, and ground-based instruments. Intended primarily as an
innovative information resource for museums, libraries, and classrooms, content within
Windows to the Universe is developed to meet K-12 science education needs.
Over the past 30 years, a wealth of remote sensing data has been obtained and stored by NASA and other
Federal agencies pertaining to the Earth and space sciences. These data constitute a precious information
resource, and are useful both for educational purposes as well as for development of value-added products with
a wide range of uses. Results obtained from these data have generally been disseminated to the public through
press releases and press conferences, for sale at museums, or in information booklets and posters which are
available to educators upon request to the responsible NASA center or government agency.
More recently, with the growth of the National Information Infrastructure (NII), informational bulletin boards
and home pages have appeared on computer networks which highlight various remote sensing databases and
allow display of a variety of images and associated text. Interested users with connections to these networks
and knowledge of the available tools and terminology can enjoy access to these resources, which are potentially
useful and enriching to a wide-spectrum of the general public, particularly to students in the K-12