Astronomy Research with Archival Satellite Data and JS9

How can we provide an authentic research experience to students who want to find out what science is REALLY about? We couple JS9, a fun to use, web-based image display environment, with archival satellite data to allow students to perform astronomical analysis remotely using their browser. Energy spectra, light curves, periodic phenomena, and much more can be explored, using FITS files from thousands of deep sky objects, spanning the gamut of observed energies, from infra-red emission to gamma rays. Since this system is platform independent, it is especially useful in the classroom, as well as in distance learning environments. Pre-written investigations with step-by-step instructions stand alone or can be used to introduce analysis tools to students in preparations for their own, independent research.