Tools exist to investigate the moon.
For teachers, students and other individuals desiring to investigate the literal universe of astronomy, many tools exist to aid in the quest for knowledge. These tools place information on the Internet to investigate the existence of planets orbiting other stars besides the Sun, or to investigate asteroids and map their course, to determine if any pose a threat to the Earth. These online tools provide the facts and leave the investigation to the student, and are used in conjunction with the physical tools used by astronomers to probe the universe.
Galaxy Zoo
The product of pictures from the Hubble Telescope revolves around identifying galaxies by shape to determine their origins. This investigation into the existence of galaxies becomes possible due to the power of the Hubble Telescope and its ability to scan from into the universe. The Galaxy Zoo requires the powers of observation in reviewing and classifying galaxies.
The Astronomy Village
Developed by the NASA Classroom of the Future Program, this CD-ROM based multimedia program offers 10 different investigations to the student. Targeted to ninth-grade earth science students, the investigations involve subjects such as undiscovered nearby stars. Granted access to a wealth of information, the student, with the assistance of a mentor, investigates the subject matter, runs simulations and uses a virtual observatory, with the end result a presentation of the facts and conclusions.
Moon Zoo
Outfitted with images from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, this tool allows for exploration of the moon. The images provide details that permit investigation of the regions of the moon and their features. Such investigation leads to discoveries about the lunar surface and its history and origins.
Optical Telescope
The optical telescope offers both the beginning astronomer at home, and the serious astronomer at work, the opportunity to see objects the human eye cannot see, and to magnify visible objects like the moon. The power of the telescope lies in the lens and its diameter --- the larger the diameter, the more light is let in. Diameters, or aperture, are generally listed in inches or millimeters (mm). For example, a ten-inch telescope will also be 254 mm.
Radio Telescopes
A tool of the professional astronomer, often seen in large arrays or banks, the radio telescope probes space for unseen radio waves. Radio astronomy traces its beginnings to 1932, when Karl Jansky discovered a noise which he determined was not of earth origin. In order to capture long and faint radio waves, the dish of the radio telescope must be large, so scientists have continued to construct even larger radio telescopes. In New Mexico 27 dishes, mounted on rails for movement, compose the Very Large Array (VLA), working together to capture the most information possible.
Spectroscope
An optical device that splits light into its various wavelengths, or color spectrum, the spectroscope is used in astronomy to study light from objects in space. Detailed analysis of the light and the spectrum produced provides information about the objects' size, temperature, density and motion.
Tags: Hubble Telescope, radio telescope, radio waves, universe Galaxy
