I am not a scientist but I am fascinated with what scientists can do. I will never travel to outer space, but wouldn't that be cool if one could, like in the movies. It will be quite the trip for sure.

While we get there (meaning future generations) we shall be content with what science makes possible right now. This week I have enjoyed the "virtual" exploration of outer space through NASA's Stardust-NeXt Exploring Comet Tempel 1 project. Check out the images at the link below.

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/stardust/multimedia/gallery-index.html

PHOTO: The photo above, released by NASA/JPL on Feb. 15, 2011, shows an image from NASA's Stardust mission of comet Tempel 1 taken on Feb. 14, 2011. The Stardust craft zipped past a comet half the size of Manhattan during a Valentine's Day rendezvous that scientists hoped would shed light on these icy solar system bodies. At nearest approach, the craft passed within 112 miles of the potato-shaped comet, closer than the original prediction. (AP Photo/ NASA/JPL/ Caltech/Cornell)