Site Is Out Of This World

It's all about space.

But this week's Web site is not a place to learn how to store your stuff more efficiently.

It's about that space above your head and you can find it at Space.com.

It should more accurately be called Outer Space.com. But why quibble over semantics?

If you're a "boomer" like me, chances are you're a space-nut, too. After all, we grew up when the "space race" was under way.

I still remember strapping myself in a chair in front of the TV and sitting there for five hours as Scott Carpenter made three orbits around Earth aboard Aurora 7. I remembered thinking if he could sit there that long, I could too. I also remember my mom thought I was nuts.

Space.com is one of the best sites I've found to keep you up-to-date on space-related news.

This is a not a site with Star Trek links, it's for real-life, space-related news. I would have said it's "down to earth" but that phrase won't work in a review of a site about space.

The professionally produced Web site claims to be the first multimedia company dedicated to space and space-related content. It is the same company that publishes Space News, a business-to-business international newsweekly, dedicated entirely to space industry.

You'll find space news broken down into sections that include Missions, Science/Astronomy, Technology and Space TV Entertainment. There's also an active message board section and an online store where you can buy space-related stuff.

Space.com also features "special reports" on subjects ranging from shuttle missions to meteor showers.

Click Photos/Video and you'll find an extensive list of images, including screensavers and wallpaper. The section of Hubble photographs is out of this world. (Sorry, I couldn't resist the pun.)

If you've really got the space bug, there's even a link to space-related technology jobs. Land one of those babies and Elton John won't be the only one singing "Rocket Man."

My one complaint about the site is that it is frequently very slow to load, even with a high-speed Internet connection. If it weren't for that problem, I'd give the site my wholehearted endorsement.

Still, Space.com is a great place to visit. You'll thank your lucky stars that you found it.

Clearly, the editors at Space.com are up on what's up. I hope they live long and prosper.

Site Reviewed: www.space.com