Discover the Intricacies of the Universe Through NASA at Home

We all grew up listening to stories about the universe. We’ve heard of countless observations about the constellations, planets, galaxies and other celestial clusters that exceed the human eye.

In the endless pursuit of uncovering the mysteries surrounding the universe, it is important to know that modern technology plays a vital role in aiding professional astronomers in their research.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is one of the leading aerospace research centers in the world. They recently launched NASA at Home, which contains a variety of topics and discoveries about the cosmos ⁠— gathered through space voyages and probing technology, allowing you to get a glimpse of the expansive universe at the comfort of your home.

E-Books

On NASA’s E-books list, you can learn diverse topics such as:

• Aircraft and Aeronautics
• Astronomy and Planetary Exploration
• Earth Science
• History

These categories will give you an in-depth learning experience regarding the intricacies of space exploration, the earth as seen and observed in space, and the challenges faced by astronauts and aerospace engineers throughout history.

Podcasts

Gravity Assist is NASA’s official podcast. With engaging talks and interviews with various researches, scientists, engineers and employees at NASA, you’ll surely be interested to gain more understanding about the processes involved in space work.

Here are some of the topics that you can learn on their podcasts:

• Human Spaceflight and International Space Station
• NASA Science
• Technology

NASA for Kids and Families 

It is an undeniable fact that at some point in our childhood, we’ve entertained the idea of becoming a “spaceman” or what we now know as an astronaut. This feature offers educational activities and resources for kindergarten and up. Bond with your kids NASA’s lesson plans, stories, crafts and coloring pages which visually explains a wide variety of NASA topics. With this, you can let your creativity run wild!

Videos

Visual learners have something to look forward to as videos about space are made available on NASA TV. They offer videos about:

• Life at the Laboratory
• Recipes: Sunspot Cookies
• Space Exploration to the Moon
• NASA Experts on Questions About Space Exploration, Science and Aeronautics
• Documentaries
• Home Videos
• Astronomy and Planetary Exploration
• Multiple Topics for Younger Viewers
• Earth and Solar Science
• Human Space Flight
• Technology
• Space in 4K

Virtual Tours and Apps

Tour NASA’s facilities and the universe through their virtual tours.  Explore their research centers and international space stations through 360-degree VR Tour. You can also journey through space with the Exoplanet Travel Bureau  and download free posters! This feature works on desktop, mobile and Google Cardboard.

For mobile applications, you may download the following:

• NASA app – offers the latest news about NASA’s projects and research areas
• Aeronautics AR app – gives information about NASA’s X-57 Maxwell, X-59 QueSST and G-III Gulfstream aircraft to your mobile phone
• Spacecraft AR app – allows you interact with NASA’s spacecraft, explore Earth and observe the universe
• NASA selfie app – an application where you can place your photo in a virtual spacesuit in front of NASA’s space images. Click here for ios users and google app users.

Be a NASA Scientist 

Lastly, you can become a NASA Scientist through their project called Citizen Science. This project was launched to engage with interested members of the public as NASA believes that “everyone is an explorer.” Here are some of NASA’s on-going researches in which you may contribute:

• Backyard Worlds: Planet 9
• GLOBE Observer
• JUNOCAM
• Planet Hunters TESS 
• Stardust @ Home

To learn more about NASA at Home, visit nasa.gov/specials/nasaathome/index.html.

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Sources: National Aeronautics and Space Administration and NASA at Home
Images grabbed from: NASA at Home