NASA's MAP Spacecraft Named One of the Best Innovations By Popular Science

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NASA's Microwave Anisotropy Probe (MAP) is cited as one of the best innovations in aviation and space in the December issue of Popular Science.

"Tremendous public attention and excitement surrounded the launch of the MAP mission this past summer," said Dr. Charles L. Bennett, MAP Principal Investigator from Goddard. "The selection of MAP as one of the 'Best' of the year by Popular Science magazine highlights that excitement as our nation continues to produce great science and technology."

Each recipient is chosen for its ability to improve in some way the quality of life. Throughout the year, Popular Science reviews new products and technologies and features the top 100 in its annual Best of What's New edition.

MAP will scan the sky for over two years, gathering information on the faint cosmic glow. Scientists hope to determine the content, shape, history, and the ultimate fate of the universe, by constructing a full-sky picture of the 14 billion year old light left over from the Big Bang. The patterns in this light across the sky contain a wealth of details about the nature, composition and destiny of the universe.

To view the infant universe, measurements of the tiny temperature differences within the microwave light, which now averages 2.73 degrees above absolute zero, must be taken. The extraordinary design of MAP allows it to measure the slight temperature fluctuations to within millionths of a degree. The exceptional accuracy of MAP has the potential to transform current views of the universe.

For the complete article, go to: http://www.gsfc.nasa.gov/news-release/releases/2001/01-105.htm