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This date in history
On April 4, 1983, space shuttle Challenger launched on its maiden voyage. The ship carried a crew of four astronauts and NASA's first Tracking and Data Relay Satellite. (2min 08sec file)
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Thursday's Mars rover update
New pictures and science results from the Spirit and Opportunity rovers on Mars are presented at this briefing from Thursday, April 1. (52min 57sec file)
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X-43A launched
NASA's experimental X-43A hypersonic research aircraft is successfully launched by a Pegasus rocket off the coast of California on March 27. (2min 40sec file)
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Mars water discovery
Scientists present evidence from the Mars rover Opportunity during this Tuesday news conference that shows the landing site was once the bottom of a salty sea. (76min 48sec file)
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Armstrong speech
Neil Armstrong accepts the Rotary National Space Trophy for career contributions in aerospace. He says President Bush's plan to return to the Moon is economically feasible and has "substantial merit and promise." (12min 10sec)
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Celebrating 5 years of the Very Large Telescope
PPARC NEWS RELEASE
Posted: April 4, 2004

One of the world's most advanced telescope facilities, Very Large Telescope (VLT), situated in the Atacama Desert in Chile, celebrated its 5th birthday April 1st. During its short history the telescope has captured some breathtaking images furthering our knowledge about the far reaches of our Universe.


This unique image shows AB7, one of the highest excitation nebulae in the Magellanic Clouds (MCs), two satellite galaxies of our own Milky Way. Credit: ESO
 
UK astronomers were first granted access to use the four 8.2-metre and several 1.8-metre telescopes that make up the VLT when the UK joined the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in July 2002. Since then over 100 UK astronomers have been awarded time on the telescope to study a range of phenomena including brown dwarfs, massive stars and supernovae.

Each of the telescopes is a science machine of its own but they can also be combined together as well as with four Auxiliary Telescope. The VLT Interferometry has already shown to be a very efficient tool to measure the diameter of very small star or to perform the first interferometry of an extragalactic object.

Some of the highlights of the last 5 years work include close up views of features such as the Horsehead Nebula, the Crab Nebula and the "Sombrero" Galaxy, so called because of its Mexican hat like appearance. In addition to these stunning images the VLT has allowed astronomers to make many scientific breakthroughs. For example, confirming and measuring the mass of the Black Hole at the Centre of the Milky Way; finding the most-metal deficient star in the Galaxy, the farthest galaxy with a redshift of 10 and the connection between Supernovae and Gamma-ray bursts.

Professor Ian Halliday, Chief Executive of the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council said:

"Congratulations to ESO and the Very Large Telescope for five years of exciting science and breathtaking images. The success of the VLT paves the way for UK astronomers to be in a strong position for increased involvement in the next phase of European astronomical developments through participation in ALMA and the Extremely Large Telescope projects."

Dr Malcolm Bremer, a UK astronomer from Bristol University, has used the VLT to study faint galaxies. He explains why the facility is so important.

"The VLT is vital for UK astronomers as, in combination with the Gemini Telescopes, they provide us with access to sufficient telescope time on state-of- the-art telescope facilities enabling the UK community to maintain its strong international standing in the subject."

Further studies which have used the VLT are being presented at the National Astronomy Meeting which is taking place this week at the Open University, Milton Keynes. See notes to editors for further details.

The top 20 images from the last 5 years can be found at: here

Expedition 20
The official embroidered patch for the International Space Station Expedition 20 crew is now available from our stores.
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STS-128 patch
The official embroidered patch for shuttle Discovery's flight to deliver equipment and research gear to the space station.
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Hubble Patch
The official embroidered patch for mission STS-125, the space shuttle's last planned service call to the Hubble Space Telescope, is available for purchase.
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One Giant Leap

Hosted by Corbin Bernsen, this award winning documentary marks the 50th anniversary of the U.S. space agency and features exclusive interviews with veteran astronauts.
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Soviet Space
For the first time ever available in the West. Rocket & Space Corporation Energia: a complete pictorial history of the Soviet/Russian Space Program from 1946 to the present day all in full color. Available from our store.
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Viking patch
This embroidered mission patch celebrates NASA's Viking Project which reached the Red Planet in 1976.
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Apollo 7 DVD
For 11 days the crew of Apollo 7 fought colds while they put the Apollo spacecraft through a workout, establishing confidence in the machine what would lead directly to the bold decision to send Apollo 8 to the moon just 2 months later.
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Gemini 12
Gemini 12: The NASA Mission Reports covers the voyage of James Lovell and Buzz Aldrin that capped the Gemini program's efforts to prove the technologies and techniques that would be needed for the Apollo Moon landings. Includes CD-ROM.
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Gemini 7
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Apollo patches
The Apollo Patch Collection: Includes all 12 Apollo mission patches plus the Apollo Program Patch. Save over 20% off the Individual price.
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Mars Rover mission patch
A mission patch featuring NASA's Mars Exploration Rover is available from our online.
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Apollo 9 DVD
On the road to the moon, the mission of Apollo 9 stands as an important gateway in experience and procedures. This 2-DVD collection presents the crucial mission on the voyage to the moon.
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Gemini 12
Gemini 12: The NASA Mission Reports covers the voyage of James Lovell and Buzz Aldrin that capped the Gemini program's efforts to prove the technologies and techniques that would be needed for the Apollo Moon landings. Includes CD-ROM.
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