Cosmic Vistas

As technology has advanced, we have been able to peer into distant reaches of space. From the first telescopes to high-tech satellites, these machines have been our windows to other worlds.

Although we have put man on the moon, our silent partner still holds many mysteries. What haven't we seen? What haven't we discovered?

Deserts and Dunes, Cliffs and Canyons. Although Mars is certainly an alien wasteland, it is a planet with terrestrial formations remarkably similar to those found on Earth. Landing a spacecraft on Mars is no easy task given our limited knowledge of the planet. The difference between success and failure can rely on the most minute detail.

The gas giants of the outer solar system, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune represent a very different kind of planet, with exotic atmospheres, liquid interiors and even rings. Looking beyond, to the outer fringe of our solar system where Pluto resides, we may find the history of the solar system preserved in a deep freeze.

The moons orbiting the giant planets are shaping up to be a fascinating scientific inquiry. Europa, Titan, Io and more: exemplifying the spectacular diversity within our own solar system, they may also offer our best chance for finding alien life in our solar system.

Meteorites slicing across the sky introduce us to another component of the solar system – asteroids and comets. The series concludes with a tantalizing glimpse of the alien worlds that lie far beyond our solar system and a recognition that another new horizons now beckons.