Space Explorers’ virtual missions, experiments, and data analysis tools were founded upon the idea that students involved in the excitement of NASA missions could be highly motivated to pursue careers in math, science, and technology fields. Along with providing Internet based science curricula, Space Explorers also provides teachers with professional development opportunities and workshops to further enhance their science teaching abilities. |
Laboratory tests aboard NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander have identified water in a soil sample. The lander's robotic arm delivered the sample to an instrument that identifies vapors produced by the heating of samples. "We have water," said William Boynton of the University of Arizona, lead scientist for the Thermal and Evolved-Gas Analyzer. "We've seen evidence for this water ice before in observations by the Mars Odyssey orbiter and in disappearing chunks observed by Phoenix last month, but this is the first time Martian water has been touched and tasted." NASA also announced operational funding for the mission will extend through September 30.
