Extraterrestrials

The ultimate in diversity will arrive when we humans discover extraterrestrial life. In the meantime, we study the diverse planets and other bodies populating our solar system by launching various kinds of spacecraft that sport a range of instruments and equipment.

The Spacecraft Planetary Imaging Facility (SPIF) at Cornell University serves as one of nine US repositories for interplanetary exploration missions, housing some 100,000 images (many produced only in print prior to digital distribution methods becoming feasible).

In addition to its many photos, SPIF displays meteorites, globes and maps of various planets, a library of academic journals and dissertations, and models of spacecraft.

SPIF offers tours, lectures, and demonstrations for the general public and welcomes visitors without appointment. Visit the SPIF web site for more details about visitation and research opportunities.

Thanks to Rick Kline, SPIF Data Manager, for his helpfulness in the creation of this WWP QuickTime VR entry.

On a related note, Cornell scientists also direct Spirit and Opportunity, two Mars rovers that have produced panoramic scenes from another world! See Hans Nyberg's Mars QTVRs for diverse panoramas from our neighboring planet.

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USA-Canada / USA-New York

Lat: 42° 26' 55.9" N
Long: 77° 29' 52.31" W

→ maps.google.com [EXT]

Precision is: Medium. Nearby, but not to the last decimal.

Nikon D70 with 10.5mm lens; PTGui Pro for Macintosh, Photoshop, CubicConverter.