Top 10 lists

Russian Space Research Institute
As the leading organisation of the Russian Academy of Sciences investigating outer space, Solar system planets and other objects of the universe, the Space Research Institute (IKI) is primarily in charge of the long-range planning and elaboration of space research programmes of which a considerable part is performed within the framework of international space research co-operation. These include high-energy astro-physics, planetary exploration, space-plasma physics, optical physics, environment monitoring, and microwave remote earth-sensing. Heavy stuff, indeed!

Sky & Telescope: The essential magazine of Astronomy
Watch this Space! Millions of amateur astronomers are having great fun doing science and helping map the universe. Sky & Telescope magazine, which celebrates its 60th birthday in 2001, started as a four-page bulletin called the Amateur Astronomer in New York. Today it includes current astronomical headline news and features, special events and sights, expert advice and astronomy tips for backyard star-gazers, imaging, product reviews and an online store. Take a close look at this one.

South African Astronomical Observatory
This is the national optical observatory of South Africa and is administered by the National Research Foundation (NRF). Its main headquarters are in Observatory, Cape Town, but the large telescopes used for research are at the observing station near Sutherland in the Northern Cape. The SAAO encourages public visits to both these sites. The Royal Observatory was founded at the Cape of Good Hope in 1820 and in the 1970s, this and the Republic Observatory, Johannesburg and the Radcliffe Observatory, Pretoria merged to form the South African Astronomical Observatory. Click through to the site to find out more.

MTN/University of Stellenbosch Education Outreach Programme
SUNSTEP is a joint venture by MTN and the University of Stellenbosch to reach out to South Africa’s disadvantaged children and increase their science, electronics and technology awareness. The programme stresses the importance of mathematics and science as high school subjects and highlights the many career opportunities electronics have to offer. Their mission is to broaden the base for future scientists, engineers and technicians in South Africa by stimulating the interests of both teachers and learners.

Cosmiverse
Make this the central hub of your cyber-Space exploration programme! It carries informative and interactive tours of the Solar System and selected Lunar tours; a 900-plus page reference library with images, movies and sounds; over 2 000 pages of exciting images with descriptions; and space, science, tech, sci-fi and paranormal news. Extend your communication horizons through the message boards and real-time chat rooms. Users can also catch ISS & Shuttle coverage, check out Cosmikids and keep an eye on what’s happening in their part of the sky each night.

European Space Agency
Since 1975 ESA has provided a vision of Europe’s future in space and of the benefits for people on the ground that satellites can supply. It has developed strategies needed to fulfill the vision, through collaborative projects in space science and technology, developing powerful launchers and novel spacecraft, and creative interaction with European national space agencies and aerospace industries. Europe’s space industries employ 40 000 people directly and 250,000 indirectly, and these numbers can only grow. Its Web site is extremely user-friendly and packed full of interesting and useful content.

Space Shuttle, Space Station, Space flight
This exciting site covers the newly established International Space Station, the Space Shuttle launch programme, missions to Mars and a full history of space flight. Free resources for teachers can help expand students' science, maths and technology skills and competence levels. Other features include real-time data and status reports, up-to-date news, and ‘Ask the Crew’, ‘Today in Space’ and ‘Skywatch’. Spaceflight is not just for space-boffins, so keep in regular orbit around this terrific site.

Mars Society
This is the best of literally hundreds of sites dedicated to furthering the exploration and settlement of Earth’s closest world - the mysterious Red Planet. This is a serious scientific and social enterprise supported around the world. Starting with “hitchhiker payloads“ on government funded missions the Mars Society intends to mobilize larger resources to enable private enterprise robotic missions and ultimately human exploration and settlement. For information on the SA chapter email StefanS@pixie.co.za

Johannesburg Planetarium
The lights dim, and in the cold blackness, the bright stars slowly appear. On 12 October 1960 the first full-sized planetarium in Africa, and the second in the Southern Hemisphere, opened its doors at Wits University. The Planetarium offers public and discounted educational shows in an exciting and informed setting. Each spectacular star-show lasts an hour and experienced staff answer questions about astronomy. Night sky maps, lunar phases, eclipses, satellites, views from SAAO and the Hubble telescope. Get ready for the trip of your life.

National Aeronautical and Space Agency
This is more of a space portal than a simple Web site. NASA is deeply committed to spreading the unique knowledge that flows from its aerospace technology, the human exploration and development of space, Earth and space sciences, biological and physical research. This vast multi-media information site includes up-to-date news, a library of stunning images and links to its wide range of activity. Check it out – it’s worth it!

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