The returns on NSF's support of science and engineering research and education vary widely.
Some projects produce fundamental knowledge that expands our understanding of our world.
Others lead to observations that can have a more direct effect on our daily lives. The following examples of NSF funded projects for FY 96-97 exemplify NSF's philosophy of investing in the best ideas with the greatest potential for lasting impact. These bursts are remarkably energetic events of unknown origin that occur in the far reaches of space. The VLA observations may contribute to solving a major mystery of cosmology by helping to determine the nature of the bursts. Other groundbreaking work supported by NSF is taking place closer to home in our solar system.