Discover the Universe With Epo's Chronicles
In the distant future, a sentient spaceship called Epo and its humanoid companion, Alkina, awake with no memories of who or where they are.
Luckily, Epo's knowledge database is still intact, though it is unable to provide any information without being directly asked. Alkina is curious and she, unlike Epo, wants to figure out where she came from.
Together, they discover the wonders of the universe, while meeting others who help provide pieces to the puzzle of what happened to Epo and Alkina.
Epo's Chronicles is a weekly Web comic that incorporates recent and classic scientific discoveries from NASA missions into its story line, while simultaneously educating readers. Stories are meant to be engaging and accessible to a wide range of readers.
Through multiple episodes, topics like black holes, solar system formation, stellar life cycle, habitable planets and the big bang are covered in brief scenes, with key definitions provided and the science explained "in human speak."
In addition to the comics and explanatory notes, the comic writers provide links to external sites, multimedia and lesson plans on the topic.
Epo's Chronicles may be used as a supplement to lesson plans or for informal independent learning.
The comic is available in English, Spanish, Italian and French. There is also a series of lithographs with the comic on one side and explanation and additional resources on the back. An audio podcast includes one special episode, recorded for the International Year of Astronomy 2009.
Epo's Chronicles is developed by the Sonoma State University Education and Public Outreach group in partnership with NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.
Brandi Bernoskie/Institute for Global Environmental Strategies