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Exploring the Universe: Smithsonian Exhibit Gets NSF FundsThe National Science Foundation (NSF) has pledged $1.35 million over three years for the Smithsonian Institution's new permanent exhibit, "Explore the Universe," which will open in September 2001 at the National Air and Space Museum. NSF's first-year commitment is $750,000. The exhibit, now in the design stage, will show how our understanding of the universe has changed over time as the tools used to study it have evolved. "We are pleased to lend our support to an exhibit that showcases the magnificence of the universe and the efforts of scientists to understand it," said Robert Eisenstein, NSF assistant director for mathematical and physical sciences. The exhibition will showcase tools that astronomers have devised over the centuries to explore outer space, including telescopes, photography and spectroscopy. Artifacts and models of historic and current instruments, including telescopes on Kitt Peak, Ariz., operated by NSF's National Optical Astronomy Observatories, will demonstrate the importance of ground-based and space-based technologies. Interactive displays, videos and computer programs will help explain the electromagnetic spectrum, the basics of astrophysics and cosmology, and what we know about what lies in and beyond our solar system. The displays will be rich with astronomical images of the evolving universe. "This support from the National Science Foundation greatly expands our opportunities to educate the public about astronomical achievements and to inspire the future scientists among the museum's visitors," said Gen. John R. Dailey, director of the National Air and Space Museum. Plans for the exhibit include educational materials for teachers and students, teacher workshops and student internships.
NSF is an independent federal agency which supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering, with an annual budget of about $4.5 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states, through grants to about 1,600 universities and institutions nationwide. Each year, NSF receives about 30,000 competitive requests for funding, and makes about 10,000 new funding awards. For instant information about NSF, sign up for the Custom News Service. From the toolbar on NSF's home page, (http://www.nsf.gov), sign up to receive electronic versions of NSF news, studies, publications and reports. Follow the simple sign-on procedures that guide you to your choices. Also see NSF news products at: http://www.eurekalert.org/ and http://www.newswise.com.
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