Mapping the solar system started in 1965 when Mariner 4 sent back much improved pictures of Mars, said SETI expert Seth Shostak.

Since that time, astronomers — with the help of high-powered telescopes and various exploration vehicles and probes — have delivered stunning pictures of most of the planets and their moons. The quality of these images coupled with our knowledge has made it possible to target not one or two but several places where we might find life or where it might make sense for humans to set up shop.

Hoping to inspire a future generation of explorers, a group known as the Space World Foundation plans to create a new education center at the edge of the NASA Ames site.