ABOUT
““Circling the Earth in my orbital spaceship, I marveled at the beauty of our planet. People of the world, let us safeguard and enhance this beauty, and not destroy it.”
Yuri Gagarin”
The Perspectives of Earth program uses breathtaking photography and remote earth sensing data, along with thoughtful narratives and curated learning resources, to inspire dialogue about planet earth, the exploration of space, and humanity’s role in the universe.
Astronauts describe being transformed by the site of an earth that has no natural boundaries, yet is threatened by those who depend on it most. Perspectives of Earth expands our familiarity with the planet, challenges our perspectives, stimulates open discussions, and introduces new and unexpected avenues of personal exploration.
The crew of the International Space Station spends time in the Cupola Window whenever their busy schedules allow. This large observation deck attached to the US Tranquility module gives them an unequaled view of planet Earth from 250 miles above its surface. Millions of awe-inspiring photographs have been taken through the Cupola’s 7 glass panels since it was installed in February of 2010.
Initial development of Perspectives of Earth was made possible through the McAuliffe Center’s partnerships with CASIS, managers of the U.S. National Laboratory, and STEM education R&D center TERC.
International Space Station Resources:
International Space Station (NASA Home Page) - Elementary and Above
International Space Station: Facts, History & Tracking - Middle School and Above
NASA Spot the Station - Elementary and Above
Cupola Window (ISS Module) - Middle School and Above
Space Station Orbit Tutorial - Middle School and Above
REMOTE EARTH SENSING RESOURCES:
What is Remote Sensing? - Elementary and Above
