1. **State the problem:** We are given the quadratic function $$y = x^2 - 9$$ and need to determine whether the parabola opens upward or downward. 2. **Recall the formula and rule:** A quadratic function in the form $$y = ax^2 + bx + c$$ has a parabola that opens upward if $$a > 0$$ and downward if $$a < 0$$. 3. **Identify the coefficient:** In our function, $$a = 1$$, $$b = 0$$, and $$c = -9$$. 4. **Apply the rule:** Since $$a = 1 > 0$$, the parabola opens upward. 5. **Conclusion:** The parabola described by $$y = x^2 - 9$$ opens upward, forming a U-shaped curve with its vertex at $$(0, -9)$$.