It provides biographies of astronomers, resources in space science and astronomy, and information about discoveries in infrared astronomy. Links to observatories around the world allow access to hourly updates on solar and aurora activity. The views can be seen in topographical format or with current cloud cover based on weather satellite information. View can be custom disigned, simply submit a specific location based on altitude, longitude, latitude. Another feature depicts earth's daytime and nighttime zones.
Images are significant, but do require some time to download.
To prepare for this virtual journey you can read a paper from the American Journal of Physics that describes the distortions effects you will see. The site highlights the history and achievements of Earth-based and spacecraft exploration. Lots of images of space, satellites, rockets, and even a moon rock image. A worthwhile site and example of how the Net can replace the standard textbook. An exciting feature is the REAL Audio files, which enable the user to download and listen in on conferences, briefings, and launches for the space shuttle.