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. |
NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander has ceased communications after successfully returning unprecedented science data to Earth. Cameras on Phoenix sent more than 25,000 images back to Earth. Preliminary science data shed light on whether the Martian arctic environment ever has been favorable for microbes; documented a mildly alkaline soil environment unlike any found by earlier missions; discovered small concentrations of salts that could be nutrients for life; located calcium carbonate; and detected perchlorate salt. Phoenix discovered snow falling from Martian clouds and advanced the goal of documenting the history of water on Mars. Analysis of data from Phoenix's instruments continues. To learn more about the Mars Phoenix, visit the 
