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Cape Cod Science Network / Space & Astronomy

Space & Astronomy

🚀 Space & Astronomy

Space science is one of the great meeting places of imagination and evidence. This page is becoming a doorway to astronomy, space exploration, observatories, stargazing, planetary science, space art, education programs, and university resources that help people look up and think bigger.

Space Agencies Observatories Education All Science Sections

Space Agencies & Missions

Start here for major space agencies, international mission programs, space-station resources, and public science updates from around the world.

Space agencies around the world

NASA — United States Space exploration, Earth science, missions, launches, STEM resources, and NASA news. ESA — European Space Agency Europe’s gateway to space, with science, exploration, launchers, satellites, and mission updates. JAXA — Japan Japan’s aerospace agency, featuring missions, rockets, Earth observation, and human spaceflight. Roscosmos — Russia Russian space program information, launches, spacecraft, and national space activity updates. CNSA — China China National Space Administration news, missions, lunar exploration, and international cooperation. ISRO — India Indian Space Research Organisation missions, satellites, launch vehicles, science, and student resources. Canadian Space Agency Canadian space missions, astronauts, the International Space Station, astronomy, and youth resources. KASA — South Korea Korea AeroSpace Administration news and national aerospace development updates. Australian Space Agency Australia’s civil space sector, space industry programs, education, and public resources. UAE Space Agency United Arab Emirates space-sector development, initiatives, partnerships, and exploration updates. Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre UAE astronaut program, satellite development, lunar mission work, and space science projects. UK Space Agency United Kingdom space strategy, science, innovation, commercial space, and policy updates. CNES — France French space agency resources for space strategy, science missions, satellites, and exploration. DLR — Germany German aerospace research, national space programs, missions, robotics, and Earth observation. ASI — Italy Italian Space Agency programs, aerospace science, education, missions, and industry resources. UNOOSA — United Nations Peaceful international cooperation in space and Access to Space for All resources.

Major mission and public space resources

NASA Missions A public gateway to active and historic NASA missions across Earth, the solar system, and the universe. International Space Station NASA’s main ISS page with research, astronauts, station science, and orbiting laboratory resources. Spot the Station NASA’s official tool for finding visible International Space Station passes over your area. ESA Mission Navigator Browse European Space Agency missions by science area, application, launch date, and status. Gateway / Artemis NASA’s lunar Gateway resources for Moon exploration and future deep-space missions. James Webb Space Telescope Deep-space images and science from the NASA/ESA/CSA Webb observatory. Hubble Space Telescope Images, discoveries, and educational resources from one of astronomy’s great observatories. NOAA Space Weather Official U.S. space-weather forecasts, alerts, aurora information, and solar activity updates.

All outside links open in a new tab so visitors can explore without losing their place on CapeCodScience.com.

Astronomy Learning: Observatories Around the World

These observatories and telescope programs give visitors a rich starting point for learning about planets, stars, galaxies, solar science, radio astronomy, cosmic rays, dark matter, exoplanets, and the deep universe. This list can keep growing as the Cape Cod Science Network develops.

United States, Canada & Hawaiʻi

W. M. Keck Observatory Twin 10-meter optical/infrared telescopes on Maunakea. International Gemini Observatory Twin 8.1-meter telescopes in Hawaiʻi and Chile for nearly full-sky coverage. Maunakea Observatories Community gateway to the observatories and outreach programs on Maunakea. Subaru Telescope NAOJ’s 8.2-meter optical/infrared telescope on Maunakea. Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope 3.6-meter optical/infrared telescope on Maunakea. Kitt Peak National Observatory Major Arizona observatory with one of the world’s largest collections of optical and radio telescopes. Lowell Observatory Historic Arizona observatory known for Pluto discovery and public astronomy. Lick Observatory University of California observatory on Mount Hamilton. Mount Wilson Observatory Historic California observatory central to modern astronomy. Palomar Observatory Caltech observatory home to the Hale Telescope. Griffith Observatory Public astronomy landmark in Los Angeles. McDonald Observatory University of Texas observatory and visitor center in West Texas. Large Binocular Telescope Observatory Two 8.4-meter mirrors on one mount in Arizona. MMT Observatory 6.5-meter telescope on Mount Hopkins, Arizona. Green Bank Observatory Home of the Green Bank Telescope and public radio-astronomy programs. Very Large Array NRAO’s famous radio telescope array in New Mexico. Very Long Baseline Array Ten radio telescopes working together across thousands of miles. National Solar Observatory U.S. center for solar astronomy research and facilities. Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope World-leading solar telescope on Maui studying the Sun in extraordinary detail. Yerkes Observatory Historic Wisconsin observatory now open for education and public programs. Arecibo Observatory Historic Puerto Rico observatory and education center. Allen Telescope Array Radio telescope array operated by the SETI Institute. CHARA Array Optical/infrared interferometer at Mount Wilson run by Georgia State University. Apache Point Observatory New Mexico observatory supporting research telescopes and sky surveys.

South America & Chile’s Atacama region

ALMA Observatory Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array studying cold cosmic gas and dust. ESO Paranal Observatory Home of the Very Large Telescope in Chile’s Atacama Desert. ESO La Silla Observatory ESO’s long-running Chilean observatory site with dark southern skies. Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory NOIRLab observatory in Chile supporting southern-sky astronomy. SOAR Telescope 4.1-meter Southern Astrophysical Research Telescope on Cerro Pachón. Las Campanas Observatory Carnegie observatory in Chile, home of the Magellan telescopes. Giant Magellan Telescope Next-generation extremely large telescope under construction at Las Campanas. NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory Chile-based observatory built to scan the sky repeatedly for a decade. Gemini South The Chilean half of the International Gemini Observatory. Simons Observatory Atacama-based project studying the cosmic microwave background. Pierre Auger Observatory Argentina-based observatory studying ultra-high-energy cosmic rays. CTAO Southern Hemisphere Site Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory site in Chile.

Europe & the Canary Islands

Royal Observatory Greenwich Historic London observatory and public astronomy destination. Jodrell Bank Observatory UNESCO World Heritage radio astronomy site in the United Kingdom. Isaac Newton Group of Telescopes Operates major telescopes at Roque de los Muchachos Observatory. Roque de los Muchachos Observatory International observatory site on La Palma in the Canary Islands. Teide Observatory Tenerife observatory known for solar and night-time astronomy. Gran Telescopio Canarias Large optical-infrared telescope at Roque de los Muchachos. Calar Alto Observatory Major observatory in Andalusia, Spain. Pic du Midi Observatory Historic Pyrenees observatory for astronomy, solar, and planetary research. Effelsberg Radio Telescope 100-meter German radio telescope operated by Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy. Onsala Space Observatory Swedish national infrastructure for radio astronomy. Vatican Observatory Astronomical research institution of the Holy See. Asiago Astrophysical Observatory Italian observatory connected with the University of Padua. Arcetri Astrophysical Observatory INAF observatory in Florence with research and public outreach. Loiano Observing Station Italian observing station operated by INAF Bologna. Medicina Radio Observatory Italian radio astronomy facility near Bologna. Sardinia Radio Telescope Italian 64-meter radio telescope in Sardinia. Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope Dutch radio telescope array operated by ASTRON. LOFAR Low-frequency radio telescope network centered in Europe. Hamburg Observatory Historic German observatory connected with the University of Hamburg.

Asia & the Middle East

National Astronomical Observatory of Japan Japan’s national center for astronomical research and observing facilities. Nobeyama 45-m Radio Telescope Major Japanese millimeter-wave radio telescope. Kiso Observatory University of Tokyo observatory known for wide-field sky surveys. FAST Radio Telescope China’s Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope. Purple Mountain Observatory Chinese Academy of Sciences observatory with astronomy and planetary science work. LAMOST Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope in China. ARIES Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences in India. GMRT Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope in India. Indian Astronomical Observatory High-altitude Indian observatory in Hanle, Ladakh. Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute Korea’s national astronomy and space science research institute. TÜBİTAK National Observatory National observatory of Türkiye. Bosscha Observatory Historic observatory in Indonesia operated by Institut Teknologi Bandung. Iranian National Observatory Iran’s national optical astronomy facility project. Thai National Observatory Thailand’s national observatory operated by NARIT. Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory Armenian observatory with a long history in astrophysical surveys. Special Astrophysical Observatory of RAS Russian observatory home to large optical and radio telescopes.

Africa

South African Astronomical Observatory South Africa’s national center for optical and infrared astronomy. Southern African Large Telescope SALT, Africa’s giant optical telescope, near Sutherland. SARAO / MeerKAT South African radio astronomy and the MeerKAT telescope array. SKA Observatory International radio observatory building large telescope arrays in South Africa and Australia. H.E.S.S. Observatory High Energy Stereoscopic System gamma-ray observatory in Namibia. African Millimetre Telescope A planned millimeter telescope project for Namibia. Oukaimeden Observatory Moroccan observatory site in the Atlas Mountains.

Australia, New Zealand & Oceania

Murriyang / Parkes Radio Telescope CSIRO’s 64-meter Parkes radio telescope in New South Wales. Australia Telescope Compact Array Six-dish radio telescope array at Narrabri Observatory. Siding Spring Observatory Australia’s major optical astronomy observatory. Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory Remote Western Australia observatory hosting major radio astronomy projects. Murchison Widefield Array Low-frequency radio telescope in Western Australia. Mount John Observatory University of Canterbury observatory in New Zealand. Molonglo Observatory Synthesis Telescope University of Sydney radio telescope near Canberra.

Space-based observatories

Hubble Space Telescope NASA’s long-running space telescope and image archive. James Webb Space Telescope Infrared observatory studying planets, stars, galaxies, and the early universe. Chandra X-ray Observatory NASA’s flagship X-ray observatory operated with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope NASA mission exploring the high-energy gamma-ray universe. TESS MIT-led NASA mission discovering exoplanets through an all-sky survey. Gaia ESA mission mapping stars and motions in the Milky Way. Euclid ESA space telescope studying dark matter and dark energy. Solar Dynamics Observatory NASA observatory studying the Sun’s influence on Earth and near-Earth space. SOHO Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, a joint ESA/NASA mission. Swift Observatory NASA mission studying gamma-ray bursts and transient cosmic events. XMM-Newton ESA X-ray observatory for the hot and energetic universe. Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Upcoming wide-field space telescope for dark energy, exoplanets, and infrared astronomy.

This directory includes a mix of research observatories, public astronomy centers, radio telescopes, solar facilities, and space-based observatories.

Education Sites, Colleges & University Programs

For students, teachers, lifelong learners, families, and anyone thinking about a future in astronomy or space science, this section gathers useful learning sites along with colleges and universities that offer strong astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, or space-science programs.

Space & astronomy learning resources

NASA Learning Resources STEM activities, educator resources, student opportunities, internships, challenges, and NASA learning tools. NASA Space Place Kid-friendly games, crafts, videos, activities, and explanations about Earth and space science. NASA Universe of Learning NASA astrophysics discoveries, data, experts, activities, and informal-learning resources. NASA Citizen Science Real research projects where students and public volunteers can help explore Earth, the solar system, and the universe. NASA Exoplanet Watch Participate in exoplanet transit observing and analysis using telescope data and beginner-friendly tutorials. NASA Night Sky Network Public astronomy outreach, skywatching materials, astronomy clubs, presentations, and observing resources. NASA Solar System Exploration Planets, moons, asteroids, comets, missions, images, and accessible solar-system science. NASA Eyes Interactive 3D visualizations of spacecraft, planets, Earth, asteroids, exoplanets, and mission data. Astronomy Picture of the Day Daily NASA-supported astronomy image with expert explanation. Webb Telescope Education Images, science explainers, classroom resources, and public materials for the James Webb Space Telescope. HubbleSite Hubble images, discoveries, learning features, videos, and astronomy background materials. Chandra X-ray Observatory Education Activities and learning materials about high-energy astronomy and the X-ray universe. ESA Education European Space Agency classroom resources, teacher opportunities, student programs, and space-learning projects. ESA Teach with Astronomy Astronomy classroom activities, satellite models, solar-system materials, and teacher-friendly resources. ESA Space for Kids Space news, animations, activities, and learning materials for younger students. ESA Academy Hands-on space projects, training courses, and opportunities for university students and young professionals. JAXA Space Education Center Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency space-learning programs, activities, and educator support. Canadian Space Agency Youth & Educators Canadian space classroom resources, experiments, games, internships, careers, and youth activities. ISRO Students Student activities, space-science programs, quizzes, courses, and STEM engagement from India’s space agency. Australian Space Education Australian Space Agency school programs, discovery-center learning, and student experiences. Australian Space Resources Downloadable space activities and learning resources for students, teachers, and families. The Planetary Society: Space for Kids Activities, videos, and family-friendly introductions to space exploration. The Planetary Society Space exploration advocacy, articles, podcasts, mission explainers, and public science resources. Zooniverse Astronomy Projects Citizen-science projects where volunteers classify, explore, and analyze real astronomical data. Globe at Night Citizen-science project for measuring light pollution and learning about the night sky. Stellarium Web Free interactive planetarium in your browser for identifying stars, planets, and constellations. WorldWide Telescope Explore astronomical images, sky surveys, planets, tours, and data-rich sky visualizations. Sky & Telescope Observing Beginner and intermediate observing guides, sky events, telescope tips, and night-sky articles. AAS Astronomy Degree Directory American Astronomical Society directory of college departments offering astronomy-related degrees.

Colleges & universities — United States and Canada

Harvard Department of Astronomy Undergraduate and graduate astrophysics connected with the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian. MIT Kavli Institute Astrophysics, space research, instrumentation, mission science, and higher education at MIT. Princeton Astrophysical Sciences Undergraduate and graduate degrees in astronomy and astrophysics, plus plasma physics research. Caltech Astronomy Research and education in observational, theoretical, and instrumentation-driven astrophysics. Caltech Geological & Planetary Sciences Planetary science and Earth/space science programs connected with Caltech and JPL research. UC Berkeley Astronomy Undergraduate and graduate instruction in theoretical, observational, optical, infrared, radio, and high-energy astrophysics. UC Santa Cruz Astronomy & Astrophysics Undergraduate and graduate astrophysics programs with strong research opportunities. University of Arizona Astronomy Department of Astronomy and Steward Observatory programs in astronomy and astrophysics. University of Arizona Planetary Sciences Graduate planetary science program with multidisciplinary solar-system and astrobiology connections. ASU School of Earth and Space Exploration Integrated space, Earth, planetary science, astrophysics, exploration systems, and astrobiology programs. CU Boulder Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences Astrophysics, planetary science, solar physics, space physics, and space instrumentation education. CU Boulder LASP Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics with hands-on mission, instrument, and space-science research. Cornell Astronomy & Space Sciences Astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, exoplanets, cosmology, and space-science research. UCLA Astronomy & Astrophysics Graduate and undergraduate astrophysics within UCLA Physics & Astronomy. University of Maryland Astronomy Astronomy major/minor, planetary science minor, and Ph.D. program near NASA Goddard. Penn State Astronomy & Astrophysics Academic programs and research in astronomy, astrophysics, exoplanets, cosmology, and instrumentation. University of Chicago Astronomy & Astrophysics Graduate research and education across modern astrophysics, cosmology, and astronomical instrumentation. University of Washington Astronomy Undergraduate and graduate astronomy programs with research in observation, theory, and data-intensive astronomy. University of Michigan Astronomy Research and education in galaxies, stars, planets, cosmology, instrumentation, and theory. Ohio State Astronomy Undergraduate and graduate astronomy programs with public outreach and research facilities. Yale Astronomy Undergraduate and graduate astronomy education and research in astrophysics and cosmology. Columbia Astronomy Astrophysics education and research in New York City, with strong connections to physics and data science. University of Texas Astronomy Astronomy education, McDonald Observatory connections, and research from planets to cosmology. New Mexico State Astronomy Programs in astronomy with Apache Point Observatory connections and observational research opportunities. University of Florida Astronomy Academic programs and research in astrophysics, instrumentation, galaxies, stars, and planets. Johns Hopkins Physics & Astronomy Physics and astronomy education with strong space-telescope and astrophysics connections. University of Toronto Astronomy & Astrophysics Dunlap-linked graduate training in astronomy and astrophysics with research and instrumentation opportunities. University of British Columbia Astronomy M.Sc. and Ph.D. astronomy programs in UBC Physics & Astronomy.

Colleges & universities — international programs

University of Cambridge Institute of Astronomy Undergraduate astrophysics and postgraduate astronomy opportunities at a major research institute. University of Oxford Astrophysics DPhil projects in observational, theoretical, and instrumentation-focused astrophysics. Imperial College London Astrophysics Research group exploring black holes, galaxy origins, cosmology, and modern astrophysical data. UCL Mullard Space Science Laboratory Space science, astrophysics, space instrumentation, and mission-related research and graduate study. University of Leicester Physics with Space Science Undergraduate program covering space astronomy, Earth observation, propulsion, and human spaceflight. University of Manchester / Jodrell Bank Physics with astrophysics and postgraduate options connected to the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics. Durham University Physics & Astronomy Physics and astronomy degree pathway with stars, galaxies, and astrophysics study. Leiden Observatory Bachelor’s and master’s astronomy education integrated with world-class research. University of Tokyo Astronomy Graduate astronomy courses preparing researchers and educators for international and interdisciplinary work. Peking University KIAA Kavli Institute partnership with the Department of Astronomy for Ph.D. astrophysics teaching and research. Australian National University RSAA Astronomy and astrophysics education and research from planetary science to cosmology and instrumentation. University of Melbourne Astrophysics Bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. pathways through the School of Physics astrophysics group. National Astrophysics & Space Science Programme South African honours and master’s programs in astrophysics and space science through a national consortium. South African National Space Agency Space science, Earth observation, engineering, human-capital development, and space operations in South Africa.

Tip: college program requirements change often, so students should always confirm admissions, degree names, deadlines, and course details on the school’s official site.

Explore other science areas

Each subject page is designed as its own focused resource hub, while also connecting back to the wider Cape Cod Science Network.

Physics, Waves & Particle Science

Physics basics, waves, vibration, light, quantum science, particle physics, CERN, colliders, accelerators and university pathways.

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Mathematics, Patterns & Problem Solving

Math learning, problem solving, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, competitions, modeling, visual tools and math-art connections.

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Marine & Undersea Science

Woods Hole, oceanographic institutes, undersea exploration, marine biology, coastal science, ROVs, ocean data and student resources.

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Artificial Intelligence

Free and student-friendly AI tools, major AI models, AI education, research tools, creative AI, coding assistants and ethics resources.

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Robotics

Robotics companies, student robotics, FIRST and VEX, humanoid robots, ocean robots, drones, engineering education and robot ethics.

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STEM & STEAM Education

STEM and STEAM learning sites, competitions, science fairs, student projects, educational organizations, museums and broad science programs.

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Chemistry & Lab Science

Chemistry basics, periodic tables, safe experiments, lab science, materials, medicine, environmental chemistry and university pathways.

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Earth & Environmental Science

Earth science, climate, weather, ecology, conservation, sustainability, data tools, student action and organizations helping the planet.

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Engineering & Maker Science

Engineering, maker spaces, Fab Labs, design thinking, 3D printing, circuits, CAD, student challenges and creative invention resources.

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Computer Science & Coding

Coding, web development, game coding, Girls Who Code, apps, data science, cybersecurity, competitions and university CS programs.

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Science Museums & Citizen Science

Science museums, aquariums, observatories, citizen-science projects, hands-on learning, remote labs, live cams and public science sites.

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