Making Space Physics More Widely Comprehensible

"The Exploration of the Magnetosphere" being assembled by David Stern (GSFC, Code 695) and Mauricio Peredo (Hughes STX Corporation) seeks to do just that. It is a demonstration project aimed at the technically literate segment of society - technicians, engineers, science teachers, space enthusiasts, and students. It is entirely non-mathematical, but its language is precise, retaining the scientific flavor, the excitement of discovery, and the intricate interplay of phenomena. A determined 14-year-old might understand it, and even a citizen with no special interest in science may gain something by skimming. Among the features are the following:

• A focus on physics and linkage to science education.
• A stress on history; that is, many subjects include a "history button" that gives the associated historical background and context.
• An underscoring of ties to human culture and society, and the international nature of space research.
• An attempt to whet curiosity by leaving open avenues for further investigation by the user.
• An attempt to impress the user with the diversity of research in space.
• The highlighting of yet-unsolved problems to reinforce the overtones of "exploration."

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