The moons of our Solar System are very special objects - worlds in their own right - that by studying them, help us to understand how our own world formed. Some could harbour the secrets of life on Earth.
The saturnian system is an astronomer's dream - an "active" system with rings interacting with moons, moons with atmospheres and surfaces with fascinating features giving us whole new worlds to explore.
As of October 2008, there are 327 formally classified moons, including 166 moons orbiting six of the eight full-size planets Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, while six orbit the "dwarf" planets Ceres, Pluto, Haumea, Makemake and Eris.
With Fermi, astronomers will at long last have a superior tool to study how black holes, notorious for pulling matter in, can accelerate jets of gas outward at fantastic speeds.
GRACE, twin satellites launched in 2002, are making detailed measurements of Earth's gravity field which will lead to discoveries about gravity & Earth's natural systems. These discoveries could have far-reaching benefits to society & population.
A mission that was supposed to last no more than six months, the twin rovers are now celebrating their 5th year on Mars. Innovation, excellent engineering and incredible scientific results are the legacy of Spirit and Opportunity.
