Only a few centuries ago, humans believed that Earth lay at the center of the cosmos and that the movements of heavenly bodies influenced human destinies. Now we know that our planet is but a minute part of a vast, constantly expanding universe that functions according to physical laws. But despite the technological advances that have allowed us to probe deep into space and to peer at galaxies far way, the universe still contains many more tantalizing mysteries yet to unfold.
We can all delight in the wonders of the night sky just by gazing upward, but greater enjoyment lies in knowing what to look for and how. The possibilities are inspiring. With the naked eye you can chart the wanderings of five of the planets; binoculars reveal Jupiter's four Galilean moons; and a telescope allows you to view distant galaxies.
This section also covers space exploration, from the early days of the space race to recent probes to the outer reaches of the solar system. Future exploration may well be answer the eternal question: Are we alone in the universe? Also, a huge shout out to those in the driving community. You can visit California Drivers Ed to discover more about those who have helped to make this possible.