SPACE may be the last frontier, but the Internet is bringing it closer to us all the time. Lancaster University is playing a key role in building the bridge between the person on the ground and the great world beyond.

This year has been proclaimed International Heliophysical Year by the United Nations. Visit http://ihy2007.org/ to find out why they think that "Advancing our understanding of the fundamental heliophysical processes that govern the sun, earth and heliosphere" and "Demonstrating the beauty, relevance and significance of space and earth science to the world" are worthy of celebrations.

A new, interactive website set up by Lancaster University in February, sunearthplan.net, encourages members of the public to pose questions to the world's leading space scientists.

The site is the idea of Dr Jim Wild of the Department of Communication Systems who wants to showcase the UK's record of world-class space research.

Dr Wild said: "Whether using satellites to study the heart of the sun or the sizzling radiation found in Saturn's magnetic field or ground-based cameras and radars to probe the northern lights high over the arctic circle, UK scientists are at the forefront of solar, solar-terrestrial and solar planetary science. The sunearthplan.net website showcases this exciting science and provides a forum for visitors to directly question the scientists directly."

The site's launch has been timed to coincide with the launch of the UN's International Heliophysical Year, when scientists and engineers from all 191 member states take part in an international campaign to promote the space and earth sciences.

If space art interests you, check out SoHo Sunworks Exhibition at http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/sunworks/exhibit.html. This project is a collaboration between European Space Agency, http:// www.esa.int/esaCP/index.html and NASA http://www.nasa.gov/. A historical perspective is always good for keeping your feet firmly planted on the ground.

Virgin announced a space holiday programme in 2005. The first holidays are planned for next year. Visit http://www.virgin.com/ VirginProducts/TravelAndTourism/SpaceTravel.aspx to find out more. As the site says: "Why stick with the usual fortnight in Benidorm?"

Have you got a favourite space' site? Let us know.

We have lots of space for people on our website. Set up your own site - free - Click on CommuniGate link. Post a comment - Look for the comment icon a story. Bloggers - Find out who's blogging and join in - links in Leisure and Entertainment.

Why not start your own blog? Contact Kate Whiteside, Web Editor at kate.whiteside@kendal. newsquest.co.uk with your blog idea.

Forums - The Westmorland Gazette and Lancaster and Morecambe Citizen sites are launching forums for all. Look for the Forum link in the left panel of the sites, find a topic of interest and join in. If you want to see a topic represented, contact anyone in News at the Gazette.

Send us your news, images and video clips for use on the site. Details in the February 2 Web Watch column.