Welcome to the Virtual Planetary Laboratory Education and Public Outreach Homepage

The Virtual Planet Laboratory (VPL) is a team of scientists who are building computer simulated Earth-sized planets to discover the likely range of planetary environments for planets around other stars. These simulated environments allow us to visualize what these planets look like from space to help future missions recognize signs of possible life in the spectra of planetary atmospheres and surfaces. VPL findings will directly influence the development of future space missions designed to look for habitable planets around other stars by allowing them to distinguish between planets with and without life.

VPL is providing budget and scientist support to develop the "Create a Planet" module of the AstroVenture interactive website for middle school students. AstroVenture highlights NASA careers and astrobiology research.

VPL is funding in-service teachers to earn graduate credits taking the "Astrobiology On-line Course for Teachers" in informal education. This course provides enrichment opportunities for middle and high school biology teachers and meets many school districts requirements for salary increment credit.

VPL also provided support for the California Academy of Science.

Additionally, there is an online astrobiology course provided by VPL team member, Dr. Janet Siefert, at Rice University.