Initial Publication Date: January 29, 2010
Week 1: From the Outside Looking In —
Changing Our Perspective of Earth
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Eyes on the Earth
Chances are, most of us will never get to view Earth as Sally Ride did during her flights on the Space Shuttle Challenger. However, computer simulations like Eyes on the Earth 3-D give us the opportunity to explore Earth from the eyes-in-the-sky perspective of more than a dozen NASA satellites currently orbiting the Earth.
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Learn About Eyes on the Earth 3-D
- Open Eyes on the Earth 3-D and click on the Watch a Demonstration Video link for an introduction to the features of the simulation.
- When the video is over, you will be returned to the main introduction screen. Click Enter to launch the Eyes on the Earth 3-D simulation.
- Take some time to familiarize yourself with the interface and viewing options.
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Take a Closer Look at AQUA or OSTM
As demonstrated in the introductory video, some of the satellite missions featured in Eyes on the Earth 3-D have associated data sets. Choose one of the following satellites with data sets (AQUA or OSTM) to explore more closely. As you go through this exercise, think about how you might use one of these data sets to teach your students about an environmental issue.
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AQUA
- Click on the satellite's name (AQUA) in the Mission Menu to isolate the satellite.
- Click on "satellite view" to get an up-close look at the satellite itself.
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- Get a feel for the size of the satellite by clicking the "scientist" and "car" buttons. Click and drag the satellite to change the viewing angle.
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- Explore individual scientific instruments on board the satellite by clicking on the "instrument" view button. Roll your mouse over the satellite to locate instruments. A blue outline and an instrument name will appear when you mouse over an instrument. Click on the instrument to display information about that instrument in the bottom right corner of the window.
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- Switch back to global view and select a data set (CO2, CO, or ozone). Read the description of the data map provided in the top right corner of the window and watch the informational video in the bottom right corner. Then, explore the data on the globe using the features available in the main window. Refer to the help screen as needed.
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OSTM (Ocean Surface Topography Mission)
- Click on the satellite's name (OSTM) in the Mission Menu to isolate the satellite.
- Click on "satellite view" to get an up-close look at the satellite itself.
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- Get a feel for the size of the satellite by clicking the "scientist" and "car" buttons. Click and drag the satellite to change the viewing angle.
Click image to view at full size in a new window.
- Explore individual scientific instruments on board the satellite by clicking on the "instrument" view button. Roll your mouse over the satellite to locate instruments. A blue outline and an instrument name will appear when you mouse over an instrument. Click on the instrument to display information about that instrument in the bottom right corner of the window.
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- Switch back to global view and select the sea level height data set. Read the description of the data map provided in the top right corner of the window and watch the informational video in the bottom right corner. Then, explore the data on the globe using the features available in the main window. Refer to the help screen as needed.
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Show me the Help screen
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