With NASA's launch of the Hubble Space Telescope aboard the space shuttle Discovery, a new era in astronomy has begun. The HST, orbiting above the distortion of the atmosphere, has already provided us with remarkable views of the cosmos. Scientists are looking forward to the continuing stream of data from the telescope's five onobard instruments, providing new insights into the size, formation, and make up of the universe.

STARFINDER is a 30-part video series with teacher guide. Programs are appropriate for junior high and high school students, and for beginning classes in astronomy at the college level. Some topics are more advanced and complex than others.

Each program is accompanied by a teacher guide that provides pre- and postviewing activities, projects and experiments, and additional resources.

Each program is divided into three sections:

• HST Datastream looks at significant Hubble findings, presented by Space Telescope Science Institute's former Scientist and Director of Educational Programs, Dr. Eric Chaisson.
• Science Links uses computer animated graphics to illustrate physics and astronomy concepts that add interest and relevance to the information from Hubble.
• The People Behind HST profiles many of the occupations that are needed to put together a project like the Hubble. Men and women of varied backgrounds, from computer graphics artists to astrophysics to public information officers, provide role models for young people who may have felt that the roads to a science career were very limited.

Select a program topic to view the STARFINDER episode and related educational materials. (requires Quicktime player and Acrobat viewer)