XXX Background information

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "XXX Background information"

Transcription

1 XXX Background information The solar system Our solar system is made up of the Sun, the planets, the dwarf planets, moons, asteroids and comets. The Sun is the star around which everything orbits. There are eight planets: four inner rocky planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars) and four outer gas giants (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune). Our Earth is the only planet known to support life. All of the planets, except Mercury and Venus, have moons. Saturn, with its thirty moons, has the most. How we know about the planets From the beginning of the seventeenth century, when telescopes were invented, humans have been studying the stars and the planets. In the past fifty years, robot probes have travelled across our solar system and have sent back images and data. Dwarf planets The term dwarf planet was created in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to describe a new type of astronomical object. The IAU defines a dwarf planet as a celestial body that: is in orbit around the Sun is big enough for gravity to squash it into a round ball. The thing that distinguishes a dwarf planet from other planets is that it has not cleared other things out of the way in its orbital path around the Sun, so there are similar objects to itself at roughly the same distance from the Sun. Pluto was downgraded from a planet to a dwarf planet in When it was discovered in 1930, Pluto was named the ninth planet in our solar system. In recent years, astronomers have found that Pluto is part of what is known as the Kuiper Belt, which contains a number of other objects similar to Pluto. In 2005, astronomers discovered Eris, a celestial object even bigger than Pluto. A year later, a large number of astronomers decided Pluto, Eris and Ceres (an object found in the asteroid belt), should become the first three dwarf planets. Astronomers believe that as many as seventy more objects in our solar system could be named as dwarf planets in the future. Asteroids Asteroids are rocks or small planets. Hundreds of rocks form a ring between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter and this is known as the asteroid belt. Ceres is a dwarf planet in the asteroid belt. Comets A comet is an object made of rock, dust and ice that orbits the Sun. Its orbit goes near to the Sun and out beyond Pluto. As it goes near to the Sun, some of the ice melts and forms a tail of gas and dust. The Milky Way Galaxy Our solar system belongs to the Milky Way Galaxy. A galaxy is a huge cluster of stars. Scientists believe that our galaxy could contain as many as 400 billion stars. Everything in the Milky Way is slowly turning around its bright centre. The universe The universe is everything that exists in space. It is thought that the universe could contain as many as 100 billion galaxies. Measuring distances in space The distances between stars are so huge that they are measured in light years rather than kilometres. A light year is the distance light travels in a year. Light travels at just under kilometres per second, so one light year is 9.5 trillion kilometres. Our nearest star is 4.22 light years away and the Milky Way is light years from one end to the other. The Sun and ancient civilisations Many ancient people worshipped the Sun as a god and created legends and myths about it. The ancient Greeks called it Helios, the ancient Egyptians called it Amon-Re or Ra and the ancient Romans called it Apollo. The Aztecs used the name Huitzilopochtli. Aztec priests took the throbbing hearts from living people and offered them up in sacrifice to Huitzilopochtli. 5

2 XXX The Moon and ancient civilisations For many ancient people, the Moon was considered to be an object of great beauty and mystery. Both the ancient Greeks and Romans worshipped the Moon as a goddess. The Romans called her Diana and the Greeks called her Artemis. The flat Earth Until the fourth century BC, people believed that the Earth was flat. Aristotle, the Greek philosopher, introduced the idea that the Earth was a sphere, based on the following observations and evidence: When a ship sails away, it does not just get smaller and smaller as it would if the Earth was flat. Instead the hull of the ship disappears first, followed by the upper part of the ship and then the very top. When people travelled far to the North they noticed that some groups of stars disappeared over the horizon, while new groups appeared over the opposite horizon. If the Earth was flat, then wherever you stand on the Earth, you would see the same groups of stars in the sky. During a lunar eclipse, the Earth comes between the Sun and Moon. When this happens, the Earth s shadow can be seen on the surface of the Moon. The shadow of the Earth is curved and not straight. Early science and the solar system For centuries, people believed that the Earth was at the centre of the universe, and anyone who suggested otherwise risked being sent to prison or being killed. In 1543, Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus suggested that the Earth and the other planets all went around the Sun. In Italy, at the beginning of the seventeenth century, Galileo Galilei used the newly invented telescope to show other astronomers that Copernicus had been correct and that the Sun was in fact at the centre of our solar system. Day and night The Earth spins on its axis as it orbits the Sun. It takes 24 hours for the Earth to rotate once. The part facing towards the Sun is in daylight while the part facing away from the Sun is in darkness. The Earth is tilted at 23.5 degrees on its axis and is always tilted in the same direction as it travels around the Sun. This means that when the Northern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, places in this hemisphere get more than 12 hours of daylight, while places in the Southern hemisphere are tilted away from the Sun and get less than 12 hours daylight. Time zones The Earth spins in an anti-clockwise direction, which means that countries to the east of the UK come into sunlight before we do. These countries set their clocks so that they are ahead of ours. Countries to the west of the UK set their clocks behind ours. If we travel east we have to move our clocks forward, while if we travel west we have to move our clocks back. Apparent movement of the Sun across the sky The Sun rises towards the east and sets towards the west. During the day it appears to follow a curved path across the sky. This apparent movement is not caused by the movement of the Sun, but by the Earth spinning on its axis. By using a shadow stick and observing the shadows formed throughout a day, it is possible to track the path of the sun across the sky. If the shadow made by the stick is pointing to the east, then the Sun is in the west. If the shadow is short the Sun is high, and if the shadow is long, the Sun is low in the sky. Health and safety: Children should be reminded about the dangers of looking at the Sun. The Sun s changing path throughout the year Both the height and length of the Sun s path across the sky change during the year. The Earth is tilted at 23.5 degrees on its axis. When a hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, the Sun appears to rise high in the sky during the day and the amount of time that it spends in the sky is longer and so are the days. When a hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, the Sun does not appear to rise as high in the sky. The time that it spends in the sky is shorter and so are the days. When either of the poles is tilted away from the Sun, places near the pole receive no sunlight and are in darkness 24 hours each day. When either of the poles is tilted towards the Sun, places near the pole are in sunlight 24 hours each day, so that even in the middle of night, it is still daylight. 6

3 The seasons The Earth takes one year to orbit the Sun. When the Earth is on the part of its orbit where the northern hemisphere is tilted more toward the Sun, it is summer in the northern hemisphere and winter in the southern hemisphere. When the northern hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, it is winter in this hemisphere and summer in the southern hemisphere. So while the northern hemisphere is having summer, autumn, winter, and spring, the southern hemisphere is having the opposite: winter, spring, summer and autumn. Leap year The Earth actually takes days (or full rotations) to orbit the Sun. This means that every four years there is an extra day and rather than 365 days, that year has 366 days. It is known as a leap year. The Moon in orbit The Moon orbits the Earth in an anti-clockwise direction, once every 27.3 days. It also takes 27.3 days to spin around once on its axis, which means that the same side of the Moon always faces Earth. The side of the Moon that we never see is called the far or dark side of the Moon. Phases of the Moon The Moon does not produce light of its own but reflects the light from the Sun. The Sun only lights up the half of the Moon that faces towards it. As the Moon moves around Earth, we see different parts of the half that is lit by the Sun. The different shapes that we see are called phases and have the following names: New Moon: when the Moon is lined up between the Earth and the Sun and the lit side of the Moon is facing the Sun and not Earth. The Moon cannot be seen from Earth. Waxing crescent: when a small crescent section of the Moon can be seen. The Moon is said to be waxing when the crescent is getting larger and the Moon is moving towards a full Moon. Waxing half Moon: when half of the lit-up Moon can be seen and the Moon is moving towards a full Moon. Gibbous Moon: the Moon continues to wax and now more than half of it is lit up. Gibbous means having a hump. Full Moon: about two weeks after the new Moon, the Earth is now lined up between the Sun and the Moon and the Moon s face can be seen as a bright full circle in the sky. Waning gibbous: the full Moon shrinks down to a gibbous Moon. A waning Moon grows thinner each night. Waning half Moon: again we see one half of the full face of the Moon. Waning crescent: when a small section of the Moon can be seen and the Moon is moving towards a new Moon. New Moon: back to the new Moon again and the full cycle of phases is complete. This full cycle takes about 29.5 days. Space exploration the future Probes continue to travel into our solar system, sending back data and images. In the future, scientists hope that these robots will land on planets, comets and asteroids and bring back samples to Earth. Astronauts from all over the world regularly travel into space on board a space shuttle. Some now live and work in space, spending months at a time doing experiments on board the International Space Station. NASA, the USA s space agency, has said that it would like to send astronauts back to the Moon by They would leave equipment and supplies behind, and in the future these might be used by other astronauts to build a permanent base on the Moon. In years to come, NASA would also like to send the first human to Mars. 7

4 Find out more Use the following websites to keep up to date with developments in space science. Please be aware that a number of websites still categorise Pluto as a planet rather than a dwarf planet. Earth, Sun and Moon Play the game on this highly interactive site and find out about the Earth, Moon and Sun at the same time. Earth, Sun and Moon processes.shtml Interactive activities, revision and a quiz from BBC s KS2 Bitesize. Ask an astronomer: Why is Pluto not a planet any more? This video, presented by Dr. Robert Hurt from the Spitzer Science Centre, uses simple animations to explain why Pluto has been downgraded from a planet to a dwarf planet. Solar system A guide to the solar system from the BBC. Solar system exploration: planets solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/profile.cfm?object=sol arsys&display=kids Facts and information about the planets in our solar system from NASA. Solar system exploration: missions sse.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/index.cfm Facts and information about the robot probes that explore our solar system. Mars online photo gallery quest.arc.nasa.gov/mars/photos/index.html Images of Mars from NASA. NASA Kids Club: The Expedition Crew nowinspace/crew_18_on_iss.html Learn more about life in the International Space Station with NASA s Kids Club. Planet comparison psc/planetsize.html This site allows you to choose any pair of planets and to compare them. Build a solar system Use this online spreadsheet when building a scale model of the solar system. NASA Eclipse website eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse.html Use this website to find out when the next lunar and solar eclipses are scheduled to happen. Earth and Moon viewer View a map of the Earth showing the day and night regions in real time, and a map of the Moon from Earth. Alien safari solarsystem.nasa.gov/kids/index.cfm Go on NASA s Alien Safari and discover the most extreme organisms on Earth and what they tell us about the search for life on other planets. World time zone map A world map showing current time across the world. Sunrise, sunset and day length interactives/science/earthandbeyond/sunrisesunset. asp Use this Children s University of Manchester website to learn how sunrise, sunset and day length change through the year. UK sunrise and sunset times map See how sunrise and sunset times within Britain can vary on a particular day, with this Canterbury Weather website. 8

5 Planet profile AS1 Name of planet: Illustration: Time to orbit the Sun: Time to turn on its axis: Distance from the Sun: Distance from Earth: Size: Number of moons: Rings? (yes/no) Surface and atmosphere: Temperature: Other information: BBC Active iposter Earth, Moon and Sun

6 Earth, Moon and Sun: similarities and differences AS2 Which words and phrases apply to the Earth, Moon and Sun? The first has been done for you. Sun Earth Moon planet star moon sphere part of the solar system orbits the Earth orbits the Sun made of rock and metal made of gas gives out light gives out heat reflects light has plants and animals living on it Which words and phrases apply to the Earth and Moon? Which words and phrases only apply to Earth? Which words and phrases only apply to the Moon? Which words and phrases only apply to the Sun? BBC Active iposter Earth, Moon and Sun

7 Day and night AS3 Use these words to label the diagram correctly: Earth Sun sunlight daytime night-time Complete the sentences: 1 The Earth rotates on its 2 It takes hours to make one full rotation. 3 It rotates in an direction. 4 The part facing the Sun is in 5 The part facing away from the Sun is in anti-clockwise 24 daylight darkness axis BBC Active iposter Earth, Moon and Sun

8 Moon diary AS5 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Keep a record of the phases of the Moon for 28 days. BBC Active iposter Earth, Moon and Sun

THE SOLAR SYSTEM - EXERCISES 1

THE SOLAR SYSTEM - EXERCISES 1 THE SOLAR SYSTEM - EXERCISES 1 THE SUN AND THE SOLAR SYSTEM Name the planets in their order from the sun. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 The asteroid belt is between and Which planet has the most moons? About how many?

More information

Related Standards and Background Information

Related Standards and Background Information Related Standards and Background Information Earth Patterns, Cycles and Changes This strand focuses on student understanding of patterns in nature, natural cycles, and changes that occur both quickly and

More information

The Solar System. Source http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/starchild/solar_system_level1/solar_system.html

The Solar System. Source http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/starchild/solar_system_level1/solar_system.html The Solar System What is the solar system? It is our Sun and everything that travels around it. Our solar system is elliptical in shape. That means it is shaped like an egg. Earth s orbit is nearly circular.

More information

Study Guide due Friday, 1/29

Study Guide due Friday, 1/29 NAME: Astronomy Study Guide asteroid chromosphere comet corona ellipse Galilean moons VOCABULARY WORDS TO KNOW geocentric system meteor gravity meteorite greenhouse effect meteoroid heliocentric system

More information

Earth, Sun and Moon is a set of interactives designed to support the teaching of the QCA primary science scheme of work 5e - 'Earth, Sun and Moon'.

Earth, Sun and Moon is a set of interactives designed to support the teaching of the QCA primary science scheme of work 5e - 'Earth, Sun and Moon'. is a set of interactives designed to support the teaching of the QCA primary science scheme of work 5e - ''. Learning Connections Primary Science Interactives are teaching tools which have been created

More information

CELESTIAL MOTIONS. In Charlottesville we see Polaris 38 0 above the Northern horizon. Earth. Starry Vault

CELESTIAL MOTIONS. In Charlottesville we see Polaris 38 0 above the Northern horizon. Earth. Starry Vault CELESTIAL MOTIONS Stars appear to move counterclockwise on the surface of a huge sphere the Starry Vault, in their daily motions about Earth Polaris remains stationary. In Charlottesville we see Polaris

More information

EDMONDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE ASTRONOMY 100 Winter Quarter 2007 Sample Test # 1

EDMONDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE ASTRONOMY 100 Winter Quarter 2007 Sample Test # 1 Instructor: L. M. Khandro EDMONDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE ASTRONOMY 100 Winter Quarter 2007 Sample Test # 1 1. An arc second is a measure of a. time interval between oscillations of a standard clock b. time

More information

UNIT V. Earth and Space. Earth and the Solar System

UNIT V. Earth and Space. Earth and the Solar System UNIT V Earth and Space Chapter 9 Earth and the Solar System EARTH AND OTHER PLANETS A solar system contains planets, moons, and other objects that orbit around a star or the star system. The solar system

More information

Planets and Dwarf Planets by Shauna Hutton

Planets and Dwarf Planets by Shauna Hutton Name: Wow! Technology has improved so well in the last several years that we keep finding more and more objects in our solar system! Because of this, scientists have had to come up with new categories

More information

Introduction to the Solar System

Introduction to the Solar System Introduction to the Solar System Lesson Objectives Describe some early ideas about our solar system. Name the planets, and describe their motion around the Sun. Explain how the solar system formed. Introduction

More information

STUDY GUIDE: Earth Sun Moon

STUDY GUIDE: Earth Sun Moon The Universe is thought to consist of trillions of galaxies. Our galaxy, the Milky Way, has billions of stars. One of those stars is our Sun. Our solar system consists of the Sun at the center, and all

More information

FIRST GRADE 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES

FIRST GRADE 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES FIRST GRADE 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES UNIVERSE CYCLE OVERVIEW OF FIRST GRADE UNIVERSE WEEK 1. PRE: Describing the Universe. LAB: Comparing and contrasting bodies that reflect light. POST: Exploring

More information

Appropriate space vocabulary for Primary School

Appropriate space vocabulary for Primary School Appropriate space vocabulary for Primary School Stuff Looks like Gas Dust Rock Liquid Fatter (moon) Thinner (moon) Faster Slower Hot Cold Material Shape Straight at (an object) Direct (light) Indirect

More information

Explain the Big Bang Theory and give two pieces of evidence which support it.

Explain the Big Bang Theory and give two pieces of evidence which support it. Name: Key OBJECTIVES Correctly define: asteroid, celestial object, comet, constellation, Doppler effect, eccentricity, eclipse, ellipse, focus, Foucault Pendulum, galaxy, geocentric model, heliocentric

More information

The Solar System. Unit 4 covers the following framework standards: ES 10 and PS 11. Content was adapted the following:

The Solar System. Unit 4 covers the following framework standards: ES 10 and PS 11. Content was adapted the following: Unit 4 The Solar System Chapter 7 ~ The History of the Solar System o Section 1 ~ The Formation of the Solar System o Section 2 ~ Observing the Solar System Chapter 8 ~ The Parts the Solar System o Section

More information

Earth in the Solar System

Earth in the Solar System Copyright 2011 Study Island - All rights reserved. Directions: Challenge yourself! Print out the quiz or get a pen/pencil and paper and record your answers to the questions below. Check your answers with

More information

A SOLAR SYSTEM COLORING BOOK

A SOLAR SYSTEM COLORING BOOK A SOLAR SYSTEM COLORING BOOK Brought to you by: THE SUN Size: The Sun is wider than 100 Earths. 1 Temperature: 27,000,000 F in the center, 10,000 F at the surface. So that s REALLY hot anywhere on the

More information

Solar System. 1. The diagram below represents a simple geocentric model. Which object is represented by the letter X?

Solar System. 1. The diagram below represents a simple geocentric model. Which object is represented by the letter X? Solar System 1. The diagram below represents a simple geocentric model. Which object is represented by the letter X? A) Earth B) Sun C) Moon D) Polaris 2. Which object orbits Earth in both the Earth-centered

More information

astronomy 2008 1. A planet was viewed from Earth for several hours. The diagrams below represent the appearance of the planet at four different times.

astronomy 2008 1. A planet was viewed from Earth for several hours. The diagrams below represent the appearance of the planet at four different times. 1. A planet was viewed from Earth for several hours. The diagrams below represent the appearance of the planet at four different times. 5. If the distance between the Earth and the Sun were increased,

More information

Cycles in the Sky. Teacher Guide: Cycles in the Sky Page 1 of 8 2008 Discovery Communications, LLC

Cycles in the Sky. Teacher Guide: Cycles in the Sky Page 1 of 8 2008 Discovery Communications, LLC Cycles in the Sky What is a Fun damental? Each Fun damental is designed to introduce your younger students to some of the basic ideas about one particular area of science. The activities in the Fun damental

More information

A Solar System Coloring Book

A Solar System Coloring Book A Solar System Coloring Book Courtesy of the Windows to the Universe Project http://www.windows2universe.org The Sun Size: The Sun is wider than 100 Earths. Temperature: ~27,000,000 F in the center, ~10,000

More information

Science Standard 4 Earth in Space Grade Level Expectations

Science Standard 4 Earth in Space Grade Level Expectations Science Standard 4 Earth in Space Grade Level Expectations Science Standard 4 Earth in Space Our Solar System is a collection of gravitationally interacting bodies that include Earth and the Moon. Universal

More information

Exploring the Phases of the Moon

Exploring the Phases of the Moon Exploring the Phases of the Moon Activity UCIObs 5 Grade Level: 3 5 Source: Copyright (2009) by Tammy Smecker-Hane. Contact tsmecker@uci.edu with questions. Standards: This activity addresses these California

More information

Astronomy Notes for Educators

Astronomy Notes for Educators Our Solar System Astronomy Notes for Educators Our Solar System 5-1 5-2 Specific Outcomes: Learning Outcome 1: Knowledge / Content and it place in the Milky Way Different types of bodies make up the Solar

More information

Night Sky III Planetary Motion Lunar Phases

Night Sky III Planetary Motion Lunar Phases Night Sky III Planetary Motion Lunar Phases Astronomy 1 Elementary Astronomy LA Mission College Spring F2015 Quotes & Cartoon of the Day Everything has a natural explanation. The moon is not a god, but

More information

Phases of the Moon. Preliminaries:

Phases of the Moon. Preliminaries: Phases of the Moon Sometimes when we look at the Moon in the sky we see a small crescent. At other times it appears as a full circle. Sometimes it appears in the daylight against a bright blue background.

More information

Chapter 25.1: Models of our Solar System

Chapter 25.1: Models of our Solar System Chapter 25.1: Models of our Solar System Objectives: Compare & Contrast geocentric and heliocentric models of the solar sytem. Describe the orbits of planets explain how gravity and inertia keep the planets

More information

Study Guide: Solar System

Study Guide: Solar System Study Guide: Solar System 1. How many planets are there in the solar system? 2. What is the correct order of all the planets in the solar system? 3. Where can a comet be located in the solar system? 4.

More information

Relationship Between the Earth, Moon and Sun

Relationship Between the Earth, Moon and Sun Relationship Between the Earth, Moon and Sun Rotation A body turning on its axis The Earth rotates once every 24 hours in a counterclockwise direction. Revolution A body traveling around another The Earth

More information

Look at Our Galaxy. by Eve Beck. Space and Technology. Scott Foresman Reading Street 2.1.2

Look at Our Galaxy. by Eve Beck. Space and Technology. Scott Foresman Reading Street 2.1.2 Suggested levels for Guided Reading, DRA, Lexile, and Reading Recovery are provided in the Pearson Scott Foresman Leveling Guide. Space and Technology Look at Our Galaxy Genre Expository nonfiction Comprehension

More information

Reasons for Seasons. Question: TRUE OR FALSE. Question: TRUE OR FALSE? What causes the seasons? What causes the seasons?

Reasons for Seasons. Question: TRUE OR FALSE. Question: TRUE OR FALSE? What causes the seasons? What causes the seasons? Reasons for Seasons Question: TRUE OR FALSE? Earth is closer to the Sun in summer and farther from the Sun in winter. Question: TRUE OR FALSE? Earth is closer to the Sun in summer and farther from the

More information

Activity 3: Observing the Moon

Activity 3: Observing the Moon Activity 3: Observing the Moon Print Name: Signature: 1.) KEY. 2.). 3.). 4.). Activity: Since the dawn of time, our closest neighbor the moon has fascinated humans. In this activity we will explore the

More information

Science Benchmark: 06 : 01 Standard 01: THE MYSTICAL MOON axis of rotation,

Science Benchmark: 06 : 01 Standard 01: THE MYSTICAL MOON axis of rotation, Science Benchmark: 06 : 01 The appearance of the lighted portion of the moon changes in a predictable cycle as a result of the relative positions of Earth, the moon, and the sun. Standard 01: Students

More information

5- Minute Refresher: Daily Observable Patterns in the Sky

5- Minute Refresher: Daily Observable Patterns in the Sky 5- Minute Refresher: Daily Observable Patterns in the Sky Key Ideas Daily Observable Patterns in the Sky include the occurrence of day and night, the appearance of the moon, the location of shadows and

More information

Asteroids. Earth. Asteroids. Earth Distance from sun: 149,600,000 kilometers (92,960,000 miles) Diameter: 12,756 kilometers (7,926 miles) dotted line

Asteroids. Earth. Asteroids. Earth Distance from sun: 149,600,000 kilometers (92,960,000 miles) Diameter: 12,756 kilometers (7,926 miles) dotted line Image taken by NASA Asteroids About 6,000 asteroids have been discovered; several hundred more are found each year. There are likely hundreds of thousands more that are too small to be seen from Earth.

More information

The Earth, Sun & Moon. The Universe. The Earth, Sun & Moon. The Universe

The Earth, Sun & Moon. The Universe. The Earth, Sun & Moon. The Universe Football Review- Earth, Moon, Sun 1. During a total solar eclipse, when almost all of the Sun's light traveling to the Earth is blocked by the Moon, what is the order of the Earth, Sun, and Moon? A. Moon,

More information

Today. Solstices & Equinoxes Precession Phases of the Moon Eclipses. Ancient Astronomy. Lunar, Solar FIRST HOMEWORK DUE NEXT TIME

Today. Solstices & Equinoxes Precession Phases of the Moon Eclipses. Ancient Astronomy. Lunar, Solar FIRST HOMEWORK DUE NEXT TIME Today Solstices & Equinoxes Precession Phases of the Moon Eclipses Lunar, Solar Ancient Astronomy FIRST HOMEWORK DUE NEXT TIME The Reason for Seasons Hypothesis check: How would seasons in the northern

More information

What's Gravity Got To Do With It?

What's Gravity Got To Do With It? Monday, December 16 What's Gravity Got To Do With It? By Erin Horner When you woke up this morning did you fly up to the ceiling? Of course not! When you woke up this morning you put both feet on the floor

More information

4 HOW OUR SOLAR SYSTEM FORMED 750L

4 HOW OUR SOLAR SYSTEM FORMED 750L 4 HOW OUR SOLAR SYSTEM FORMED 750L HOW OUR SOLAR SYSTEM FORMED A CLOSE LOOK AT THE PLANETS ORBITING OUR SUN By Cynthia Stokes Brown, adapted by Newsela Planets come from the clouds of gas and dust that

More information

Earth, Moon, and Sun Study Guide. (Test Date: )

Earth, Moon, and Sun Study Guide. (Test Date: ) Earth, Moon, and Sun Study Guide Name: (Test Date: ) Essential Question #1: How are the Earth, Moon, and Sun alike and how are they different? 1. List the Earth, Moon, and Sun, in order from LARGEST to

More information

THE SOLAR SYSTEM. Worksheets UNIT 1. Raül Martínez Verdún

THE SOLAR SYSTEM. Worksheets UNIT 1. Raül Martínez Verdún Worksheets UNIT 1 October-December 2009 NAME: DATE: Worksheet 1A Cut out these 9 circles and then order them from the smallest to the biggest. NAME: DATE: Worksheet 1B NAME: DATE: Worksheet 2 Read the

More information

Solar Matters II Teacher Page

Solar Matters II Teacher Page Solar Matters II Teacher Page Sun Misconceptions Student Objective understands why some common phrases about the Sun are incorrect can describe how the Earth s rotation affects how we perceive the Sun

More information

Produced by Billy Hix and Terry Sue Fanning. As part of the TeachSpace Program. For more ideas and an image of the current phase of the moon, visit:

Produced by Billy Hix and Terry Sue Fanning. As part of the TeachSpace Program. For more ideas and an image of the current phase of the moon, visit: The Moon Phase Book Produced by Billy Hix and Terry Sue Fanning As part of the TeachSpace Program For more ideas and an image of the current phase of the moon, visit: www.teachspace.us Printing Date: 10/29/2010

More information

Answers for the Study Guide: Sun, Earth and Moon Relationship Test

Answers for the Study Guide: Sun, Earth and Moon Relationship Test Answers for the Study Guide: Sun, Earth and Moon Relationship Test 1) It takes one day for the Earth to make one complete on its axis. a. Rotation 2) It takes one year for the Earth to make one around

More information

1. In the diagram below, the direct rays of the Sun are striking the Earth's surface at 23 º N. What is the date shown in the diagram?

1. In the diagram below, the direct rays of the Sun are striking the Earth's surface at 23 º N. What is the date shown in the diagram? 1. In the diagram below, the direct rays of the Sun are striking the Earth's surface at 23 º N. What is the date shown in the diagram? 5. During how many days of a calendar year is the Sun directly overhead

More information

KINDERGARTEN 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES

KINDERGARTEN 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES KINDERGARTEN 1 WEEK LESSON PLANS AND ACTIVITIES UNIVERSE CYCLE OVERVIEW OF KINDERGARTEN UNIVERSE WEEK 1. PRE: Discovering misconceptions of the Universe. LAB: Comparing size and distances in space. POST:

More information

1. Soaring Through Our Solar System By Laura G. Smith

1. Soaring Through Our Solar System By Laura G. Smith 1. Soaring Through Our Solar System By Laura G. Smith 1 Five, four, three, two, one... BLAST OFF! Come along as we explore our solar system! If we were flying high above the Earth, what would you see?

More information

Motions of Earth, Moon, and Sun

Motions of Earth, Moon, and Sun Motions of Earth, Moon, and Sun Apparent Motions of Celestial Objects An apparent motion is a motion that an object appears to make. Apparent motions can be real or illusions. When you see a person spinning

More information

LER 2891. Ages. Grades. Solar System. A fun game of thinking & linking!

LER 2891. Ages. Grades. Solar System. A fun game of thinking & linking! Solar System Ages 7+ LER 2891 Grades 2+ Card Game A fun game of thinking & linking! Contents 45 Picture cards 45 Word cards 8 New Link cards 2 Super Link cards Setup Shuffle the two decks together to mix

More information

Solar System. Trading Cards. Solar System Trading Cards, Jr. Edition. Learn more about the solar system on these Web sites:

Solar System. Trading Cards. Solar System Trading Cards, Jr. Edition. Learn more about the solar system on these Web sites: Solar System Trading Cards, Jr. Edition To use these cards: Print out onto card stock or heavy paper. Cut out and fold in half along dotted line; glue or tape each card together. FOLD National Aeronautics

More information

The Solar System: Cosmic encounter with Pluto

The Solar System: Cosmic encounter with Pluto Earth and Space Sciences The Solar System: Cosmic encounter with Pluto The size and nature of our Solar System is truly awe inspiring, and things are going to get even more exciting once the New Horizons

More information

Earth Is Not the Center of the Universe

Earth Is Not the Center of the Universe Earth Is Not the Center of the Universe Source: Utah State Office of Education Introduction Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered about all the pinpoint lights? People through the ages

More information

Motions of the Earth. Stuff everyone should know

Motions of the Earth. Stuff everyone should know Motions of the Earth Stuff everyone should know Earth Motions E W N W Noon E Why is there day and night? OR Why do the Sun and stars appear to move through the sky? Because the Earth rotates around its

More information

Content Area: Earth Science Grade(s) 4. Essential Question(s) and Enduring Understandings

Content Area: Earth Science Grade(s) 4. Essential Question(s) and Enduring Understandings Content Area: Earth Science Grade(s) 4 Unit Plan Title: Objects in the Universe Overview of Unit Students will make observations and record data to understand patterns of movement and relationships among

More information

The orbit of Halley s Comet

The orbit of Halley s Comet The orbit of Halley s Comet Given this information Orbital period = 76 yrs Aphelion distance = 35.3 AU Observed comet in 1682 and predicted return 1758 Questions: How close does HC approach the Sun? What

More information

CELESTIAL EVENTS CALENDAR APRIL 2014 TO MARCH 2015

CELESTIAL EVENTS CALENDAR APRIL 2014 TO MARCH 2015 CELESTIAL EVENTS CALENDAR APRIL 2014 TO MARCH 2015 *** Must See Event 2014 ***April 8 - Mars at Opposition. The red planet will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated

More information

8.5 Motions of Earth, the Moon, and Planets

8.5 Motions of Earth, the Moon, and Planets 8.5 Motions of, the, and Planets axis axis North Pole South Pole rotation Figure 1 s axis is an imaginary line that goes through the planet from pole-to-pole. orbital radius the average distance between

More information

Grade 6 Standard 3 Unit Test A Astronomy. 1. The four inner planets are rocky and small. Which description best fits the next four outer planets?

Grade 6 Standard 3 Unit Test A Astronomy. 1. The four inner planets are rocky and small. Which description best fits the next four outer planets? Grade 6 Standard 3 Unit Test A Astronomy Multiple Choice 1. The four inner planets are rocky and small. Which description best fits the next four outer planets? A. They are also rocky and small. B. They

More information

Lab Activity on the Causes of the Seasons

Lab Activity on the Causes of the Seasons Lab Activity on the Causes of the Seasons 2002 Ann Bykerk-Kauffman, Dept. of Geological and Environmental Sciences, California State University, Chico * Objectives When you have completed this lab you

More information

Astronomy Club of Asheville October 2015 Sky Events

Astronomy Club of Asheville October 2015 Sky Events October 2015 Sky Events The Planets this Month - page 2 Planet Highlights - page 10 Moon Phases - page 13 Orionid Meteor Shower Peaks Oct. 22 nd - page 14 Observe the Zodiacal Light - page 15 2 Bright

More information

Georgia Performance Standards Framework for Science Grade 6. Unit Organizer: UNIVERSE AND SOLAR SYSTEM (Approximate Time 3 Weeks)

Georgia Performance Standards Framework for Science Grade 6. Unit Organizer: UNIVERSE AND SOLAR SYSTEM (Approximate Time 3 Weeks) The following instructional plan is part of a GaDOE collection of Unit Frameworks, Performance Tasks, examples of Student Work, and Teacher Commentary. Many more GaDOE approved instructional plans are

More information

Shadows, Angles, and the Seasons

Shadows, Angles, and the Seasons Shadows, Angles, and the Seasons If it's cold in winter, why is Earth closer to the Sun? This activity shows the relationship between Earth-Sun positions and the seasons. From The WSU Fairmount Center

More information

UNIT 1: EARTH AND THE SOLAR SYSTEM.

UNIT 1: EARTH AND THE SOLAR SYSTEM. UNIT 1: EARTH AND THE SOLAR SYSTEM. STAR INFO CARD Name: THE SUN. Age: About 4.5 billion years. Location: At the center of our solar system. Average distance from Earth: 149,600,000 km. Diameter: 1,390,000

More information

2- The Top and bottom of the leaf is covered by thin layer of cells called epidermis that allow sunlight to easily pass into the middle of the leaf.

2- The Top and bottom of the leaf is covered by thin layer of cells called epidermis that allow sunlight to easily pass into the middle of the leaf. Final exam summary sheet Topic 5, lesson 2 How leaf is adapted to carry on photosynthesis? 1- Waxy layer called the cuticle cover the leaf slow the water loss. 2- The Top and bottom of the leaf is covered

More information

Activities: The Moon is lit and unlit too

Activities: The Moon is lit and unlit too Activities: The Moon is lit and unlit too Key objectives: This activity aims to help student to: Identify the different phases of the Moon Know that the Moon does not produce its own light, but reflects

More information

Study Guide: Sun, Earth and Moon Relationship Assessment

Study Guide: Sun, Earth and Moon Relationship Assessment I can 1. Define rotation, revolution, solstice and equinox. *Rotation and Revolution Review Worksheet 2. Describe why we experience days and years due to the rotation and r evolution of the Earth around

More information

Periods of Western Astronomy. Chapter 1. Prehistoric Astronomy. Prehistoric Astronomy. The Celestial Sphere. Stonehenge. History of Astronomy

Periods of Western Astronomy. Chapter 1. Prehistoric Astronomy. Prehistoric Astronomy. The Celestial Sphere. Stonehenge. History of Astronomy Periods of Western Astronomy Chapter 1 History of Astronomy Western astronomy divides into 4 periods Prehistoric (before 500 B.C.) Cyclical motions of Sun, Moon and stars observed Keeping time and determining

More information

Geometry and Geography

Geometry and Geography Geometry and Geography Tom Davis tomrdavis@earthlink.net http://www.geometer.org/mathcircles March 12, 2011 1 Pedagogical Advice I have been leading mathematical circles using this topic for many years,

More information

CELESTIAL CLOCK - THE SUN, THE MOON, AND THE STARS

CELESTIAL CLOCK - THE SUN, THE MOON, AND THE STARS INTRODUCTION CELESTIAL CLOCK - THE SUN, THE MOON, AND THE STARS This is a scientific presentation to provide you with knowledge you can use to understand the sky above in relation to the earth. Before

More information

ASTR 1030 Astronomy Lab 65 Celestial Motions CELESTIAL MOTIONS

ASTR 1030 Astronomy Lab 65 Celestial Motions CELESTIAL MOTIONS ASTR 1030 Astronomy Lab 65 Celestial Motions CELESTIAL MOTIONS SYNOPSIS: The objective of this lab is to become familiar with the apparent motions of the Sun, Moon, and stars in the Boulder sky. EQUIPMENT:

More information

Out of This World Classroom Activity

Out of This World Classroom Activity Out of This World Classroom Activity The Classroom Activity introduces students to the context of a performance task, so they are not disadvantaged in demonstrating the skills the task intends to assess.

More information

Douglas Adams The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy

Douglas Adams The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy There is a theory which states that if ever anybody discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable.

More information

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM reflect Our solar system is made up of thousands of objects, at the center of which is a star, the Sun. The objects beyond the Sun include 8 planets, at least 5 dwarf planets, and more than 170 moons.

More information

Mission To Mars! A dialogue activity for upper KS2

Mission To Mars! A dialogue activity for upper KS2 Mission To Mars! A dialogue activity for upper KS2 Teacher s Sheet Mission to Mars: Dialogue activity for upper KS2 Part One: As a class or in groups. pupils read the Fact or Fiction cards. On each card

More information

The following words and their definitions should be addressed before completion of the reading:

The following words and their definitions should be addressed before completion of the reading: Seasons Vocabulary: The following words and their definitions should be addressed before completion of the reading: sphere any round object that has a surface that is the same distance from its center

More information

Exam # 1 Thu 10/06/2010 Astronomy 100/190Y Exploring the Universe Fall 11 Instructor: Daniela Calzetti

Exam # 1 Thu 10/06/2010 Astronomy 100/190Y Exploring the Universe Fall 11 Instructor: Daniela Calzetti Exam # 1 Thu 10/06/2010 Astronomy 100/190Y Exploring the Universe Fall 11 Instructor: Daniela Calzetti INSTRUCTIONS: Please, use the `bubble sheet and a pencil # 2 to answer the exam questions, by marking

More information

Today FIRST HOMEWORK DUE NEXT TIME. Seasons/Precession Recap. Phases of the Moon. Eclipses. Lunar, Solar. Ancient Astronomy

Today FIRST HOMEWORK DUE NEXT TIME. Seasons/Precession Recap. Phases of the Moon. Eclipses. Lunar, Solar. Ancient Astronomy Today FIRST HOMEWORK DUE NEXT TIME Seasons/Precession Recap Phases of the Moon Eclipses Lunar, Solar Ancient Astronomy How do we mark the progression of the seasons? We define four special points: summer

More information

The following questions refer to Chapter 19, (PAGES 259 278 IN YOUR MANUAL, 7 th ed.)

The following questions refer to Chapter 19, (PAGES 259 278 IN YOUR MANUAL, 7 th ed.) GEOLOGY 306 Laboratory Instructor: TERRY J. BOROUGHS NAME: Locating the Planets (Chapter 19) and the Moon and Sun (Chapter 21) For this assignment you will require: a calculator, colored pencils, a metric

More information

Class 2 Solar System Characteristics Formation Exosolar Planets

Class 2 Solar System Characteristics Formation Exosolar Planets Class 1 Introduction, Background History of Modern Astronomy The Night Sky, Eclipses and the Seasons Kepler's Laws Newtonian Gravity General Relativity Matter and Light Telescopes Class 2 Solar System

More information

1 A Solar System Is Born

1 A Solar System Is Born CHAPTER 3 1 A Solar System Is Born SECTION Formation of the Solar System BEFORE YOU READ After you read this section, you should be able to answer these questions: What is a nebula? How did our solar system

More information

1-2. What is the name given to the path of the Sun as seen from Earth? a.) Equinox b.) Celestial equator c.) Solstice d.

1-2. What is the name given to the path of the Sun as seen from Earth? a.) Equinox b.) Celestial equator c.) Solstice d. Chapter 1 1-1. How long does it take the Earth to orbit the Sun? a.) one sidereal day b.) one month c.) one year X d.) one hour 1-2. What is the name given to the path of the Sun as seen from Earth? a.)

More information

Outdoor Exploration Guide. A Journey Through Our Solar System. A Journey Through Our Solar System

Outdoor Exploration Guide. A Journey Through Our Solar System. A Journey Through Our Solar System Outdoor Exploration Guide A Journey Through Our Solar System A Journey Through Our Solar System The Solar System Imagine that you are an explorer investigating the solar system. It s a big job, but in

More information

Lecture 12: The Solar System Briefly

Lecture 12: The Solar System Briefly Lecture 12: The Solar System Briefly Formation of the Moonhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpOKztEiMqo&feature =related Formation of our Solar System Conservation of Angular Momentum Why are the larger,

More information

Cosmic Journey: A Solar System Adventure General Information

Cosmic Journey: A Solar System Adventure General Information Cosmic Journey: A Solar System Adventure General Information Imagine it a huge spiral galaxy containing hundreds of billions of stars, spiraling out from a galactic center. Nestled deep within one of the

More information

Copyright 2006, Astronomical Society of the Pacific

Copyright 2006, Astronomical Society of the Pacific 2 1 3 4 Diameter: 590 miles (950 km) Distance to Sun: 257 million miles (414 million km) Orbits: # 18 Composition: Outer layer probably ice and frozen ammonia, no Diameter: 750 miles (1200 km) Distance

More information

4 HOW OUR SOLAR SYSTEM FORMED 890L

4 HOW OUR SOLAR SYSTEM FORMED 890L 4 HOW OUR SOLAR SYSTEM FORMED 890L HOW OUR SOLAR SYSTEM FORMED A CLOSE LOOK AT THE PLANETS ORBITING OUR SUN By Cynthia Stokes Brown, adapted by Newsela Planets are born from the clouds of gas and dust

More information

Solar System Facts & Fun

Solar System Facts & Fun Solar System Facts & Fun Space is such a fascinating place. God put the Earth in just the right place so everything was just right for life as we know it. Have you ever wondered about the other planets

More information

ASTRONOMY 161. Introduction to Solar System Astronomy

ASTRONOMY 161. Introduction to Solar System Astronomy ASTRONOMY 161 Introduction to Solar System Astronomy Seasons & Calendars Monday, January 8 Season & Calendars: Key Concepts (1) The cause of the seasons is the tilt of the Earth s rotation axis relative

More information

Astrock, t he A stronomical Clock

Astrock, t he A stronomical Clock Astrock, t he A stronomical Clock The astronomical clock is unlike any other clock. At first glance you ll find it has similar functions of a standard clock, however the astronomical clock can offer much

More information

The Sun and the Stars

The Sun and the Stars www.k5learning.com Objective Concepts (gravity, climate, solar system, hydrogen, helium, elements, core, ultraviolet rays, cluster, galaxy, Milky Way Galaxy); Sight words (surface, middle, dangerous, causes,

More information

The Inner Solar System by Leslie Cargile

The Inner Solar System by Leslie Cargile The Inner Solar System The inner solar system is the name of the terrestrial planets and asteroid belt. Terrestrial is just a fancy way of saying rocky. Like the Earth, terrestrial planets have a core

More information

Essential Question. Enduring Understanding

Essential Question. Enduring Understanding Earth In Space Unit Diagnostic Assessment: Students complete a questionnaire answering questions about their ideas concerning a day, year, the seasons and moon phases: My Ideas About A Day, Year, Seasons

More information

NOTES: GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE TEST THE SOLAR SYSTEM

NOTES: GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE TEST THE SOLAR SYSTEM NOTES: GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE TEST THE SOLAR SYSTEM 1.What is a Solar system? A solar system consists of: * one central star, the Sun and * nine planets: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn,

More information

Our Planetary System. Earth, as viewed by the Voyager spacecraft. 2014 Pearson Education, Inc.

Our Planetary System. Earth, as viewed by the Voyager spacecraft. 2014 Pearson Education, Inc. Our Planetary System Earth, as viewed by the Voyager spacecraft 7.1 Studying the Solar System Our goals for learning: What does the solar system look like? What can we learn by comparing the planets to

More information

The Solar System. A Collaborative Science Activity for Key Stage 2. Teacher s Notes. Procedure

The Solar System. A Collaborative Science Activity for Key Stage 2. Teacher s Notes. Procedure The Solar System A Collaborative Science Activity for Key Stage 2 Teacher s Notes This material links reading and oral skills. The text is divided into three parts so that pupils have the task of collecting

More information

A: Planets. Q: Which of the following objects would NOT be described as a small body: asteroids, meteoroids, comets, planets?

A: Planets. Q: Which of the following objects would NOT be described as a small body: asteroids, meteoroids, comets, planets? Q: Which of the following objects would NOT be described as a small body: asteroids, meteoroids, comets, planets? A: Planets Q: What can we learn by studying small bodies of the solar system? A: We can

More information

Page. ASTRONOMICAL OBJECTS (Page 4).

Page. ASTRONOMICAL OBJECTS (Page 4). Star: ASTRONOMICAL OBJECTS ( 4). Ball of gas that generates energy by nuclear fusion in its includes white dwarfs, protostars, neutron stars. Planet: Object (solid or gaseous) that orbits a star. Radius

More information

Exploration of the Solar System

Exploration of the Solar System Exploration of the Solar System I. Phases of the Moon all about perspective. In this section you will use WWT to explore how the moon appears to change phases from our vantage point on Earth over the course

More information

UC Irvine FOCUS! 5 E Lesson Plan

UC Irvine FOCUS! 5 E Lesson Plan UC Irvine FOCUS! 5 E Lesson Plan Title: Astronomical Units and The Solar System Grade Level and Course: 8th grade Physical Science Materials: Visual introduction for solar system (slides, video, posters,

More information

Group Leader: Group Members:

Group Leader: Group Members: THE SOLAR SYSTEM PROJECT: TOPIC: THE SUN Required Project Content for an Oral/Poster Presentation on THE SUN - What it s made of - Age and how it formed (provide pictures or diagrams) - What is an AU?

More information