Weathering & Erosion

The United States has been launching satellites and rovers into Space since December 1957. These technologies help us understand the vast universe around us and answer questions closer to home. Using photography and other tools, these spacecraft help scientists learn about the changing surface of our Earth and that of other planetary bodies.

What knowledge can we gain from satellite and rover imagery? What are the different tools satellites and rovers use to form pictures? How does satellite imagery help us to understand the Earth, its climate and geology?

Teachers Guide

A globe image of the Earth. The North and South American continents are visible.

Picturing Earth

Click here to learn about satellites the United States has used to explore the surface of the Earth.

An image of the full near side of the moon.

Picturing the Moon

Click here to learn about satellites that the United States has used to explore the surface of the Moon.

An image of Pluto capturing one side of the entire planet.

Picturing our Solar System

Click here to learn about satellites that the United States has used to explore the surfaces of nearby planets.

Picturing Mars

Click here to learn about the rovers the United States has used to explore the surface of Mars.

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