Astronomy Activities

Astronomy Activities

© 2002 American Geological Institute http://www.agiweb.org

Contents: All Activities and Investigations
Activity 1 
Activity 2 
Activity 3 
Activity 4 
Activity 5 
Activity 6 
Activity 7 

Students are challenged to produce a booklet to inform citizens about possible hazards from outer space.
Students will:

• Understand how extraterrestrial processes affect the Earth systems. 
• Participate in scientific inquiry and construct logical conclusions based on evidence. 
• Appreciate the value of Earth science information in improving the quality of life, globally and within the community. 

Activity 1  --  The History and Scale of the Solar System

To learn more about this topic, visit the following web sites:
1.  Distances in the Universe
• Astronomical Unit (AU), Near Earth Object Program, NASA 

Find out a little more about the Astronomical Unit.
(http://neo.jpl.nasa.gov/glossary/au.html)
• What is a light year and how is it used? Starchild, NASA 

This description is similar to the text in EarthComm but also offers links to other relevant pages.
(http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/questions/question19.html)
• If a Millimeter Were a Year/Light-Year 

Comprehending a distance as great as a light year is difficult.  This brief essay puts the light-year in perspective by comparing it to a millimeter.
(http://www.friesian.com/distanc2.htm)
2.  The Nebular Theory
• How Did Pluto Get There?  Making the Strange Familiar - Solar System Formation/ Solar Nebular Theory, Jet Propulsion Laboratory 

This page includes possible supplemental activities and background information on the Solar Nebular Theory.  The page does not include an index or links so just scroll down through the page to see what is here.
(http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/ice_fire/outreach/Pluto5.htm)
• The Solar Nebular Hypothesis, Community College of Baltimore County 

Read an approximate chronology of the formation of the solar system and see pictures to go along with some of the phases.
(http://www.cat.cc.md.us/courses/eas101/unit1/solneb.html)
3.  The Birth of the Planets
• Timeline of the Universe, Origins Program - NASA 

This tutorial follows the 15-billion-year-long history of the Universe (including the Big Bang, Star Formation, Planetary Formation, Earth-like Planet Formation, Jupiter-like-planet Formation, and the Chemistry of Life).
(http://origins.jpl.nasa.gov/poster/poster.html)
• Birth of a Solar System? CNN 

This is a report from a 1998 discovery by scientists at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory that provided some new information about how planets form.
(http://www.cnn.com/TECH/space/9804/21/nasa.planets/)
4.  Where is the Solar System in Our Galaxy
• Milky Way Galaxy Fact Sheet, Perth Observatory 

Learn some more trivia about the galaxy and our place in it.
(http://www.wa.gov.au/perthobs/hpc2mil.htm)
• The Milky Way and other Galaxies, Ask a Space Scientist - Goddard Space Flight Center 

Find out answers to 90 different questions about our galaxy and others.
(http://image.gsfc.nasa.gov/poetry/ask/agalaxy.html)

Milk Way Images

• Multiwave Astronomy , NASA's Infrared Astrophysics Data Center 

http://www.ipac.caltech.edu/Outreach/Multiwave/gallery3.html
• Astronomy Pictures of the Day: Milky Way Galaxy, Goddard Space Flight Center 

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/lib/milky_way.html
To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity: To learn more about solar-system walks, visit the following web sites:

• Build a Solar System Walk, Exploratorium  

Make a scale model of the Solar System and learn the REAL definition of "space."
(http://www.exploratorium.edu/ronh/solar_system/)
• Voyage: A Journey Through the Solar System along the National Mall in Washington DC 

Planning a visit to the nation's capital?  If so, check out the scale model of the solar system along the National Mall.  For more information, read this article about the new exhibit in the October issue of Smithsonian magazine. (http://www.smithsonianmag.si.edu/smithsonian/issues01/oct01/highopen.html)
To learn more about the five stars nearest to the Sun, visit the following web sites:
• The 26 Nearest Stars to Earth, University of Wisconsin 

(http://www.astro.wisc.edu/~dolan/constellations/extra/nearest.html)
• Closest Stars - Model 

This page gives you the relative distance of the nearest stars and help with how to make a scale model.
(http://www.essex1.com/people/speer/starmodel.html)
Also check out this table of Earth's nearest stars: http://www.essex1.com/people/speer/stars.html
To learn more about nuclear fusion, visit the following web sites:
• Nuclear Fusion Basics 

Get started learning about nuclear fusion with this brief description of how nuclear fusion works.
(http://www.jet.efda.org/pages/content/fusion1.html)
• What does E=mc2 mean? 

http://www.sciencenet.org.uk/database/Physics/Original/p00165d.html
To learn more about star-forming nebulae in the galaxy, visit the following web sites:
• Star Formation: The Earliest Stars 

Read a brief discussion about what scientists understand about star formation and the birth of our sun. 
(http://origins.stsci.edu/under/stars.shtml)
• A Star is Born 

Take a virtual tour though the life of a young star.
http://www.astro.psu.edu/users/carkner/ttauri/star1.html
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Activity 2  --  The Earth-Moon System

To learn more about this topic:
 
1.  The Formation of the Earth and Moon
• Age of the Earth, USGS 

Find out a more about how scientists believe how and when the Earth formed.
http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/geotime/age.html
• How did the Earth get here? University of Oregon 

These class notes provide a brief description of how Earth and other planets in the solar system formed.
http://zebu.uoregon.edu/ph121/l7.html
• Theories for the Formation of the Earth's Moon, University of Massachusetts 

Learn about what restrictions any theories for the formation of the moon must account for, why some theories work, and why some do not work.
http://pegasus.phast.umass.edu/a100/handouts/moonform.html
• Theories of Formation for the Moon, University of Kentucky 

These notes outline five different theories that have been proposed for the formation of the Moon (not counting the one involving green cheese).
http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/moon/moon_formation.html
2.  Tides
• Our Restless Tides, NOAA, CO-OPS 

Get an explanation of the basic astronomical factors which produce tides and tidal currents.
http://co-ops.nos.noaa.gov/restles1.html
• The Tides, University of Massachusetts @ Dartmouth 

What causes the daily change in tides? Why are some high tides higher than most? And what does this all mean for the animals and plants below?
http://www.umassd.edu/Public/People/Kamaral/thesis/Tides.html

 
Part C: Tides and Lunar Phases
To complete the investigation, each student group will need:
• Graph paper 
• Internet access (or printouts of tidal data for several cities near your community): 
• To find tidal data for several different cities, visit the following web sites: 
• Tidal Current Predictions 

http://co-ops.nos.noaa.gov/currpred.html
• Make a Tide Prediction 

http://co-ops.nos.noaa.gov/tp4days.html IMPORTANT:  Please review the following information to help understand the tidal prediction data.  Or try the following pages on the NOAA - Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Service:

• Frequently Asked Questions  

http://co-ops.nos.noaa.gov/faq2.html
• Secondary Station Adjustments Instructions 

http://co-ops.nos.noaa.gov/t2help.html
• What formats are tide predictions available in?  

Standard Format - This format is available in hard copy and an electronic, ASCII file which provides time and height of tide information for a single location in a page readable format. The following example for EASTPORT, ME, April, 1997 shows the predictions in AM/PM Time and has been adjusted for Daylight Savings Time.  Eastport, Maine    T.M. 75 W. 
Tide Predictions (High and Low Waters)      April, 1997 
NOAA, National Ocean Service
Standard Time
Day      Time      Ht.      Time      Ht.      Time      Ht.      Time      Ht.
 




Day	Time	Ht.	Time	Ht.	Time	Ht.	Time	Ht
1 Tu	428am	H 18.6	1101am	L 0.7	504pm	H 17.8	1128pm	L  1.5
2  W	532am	H  18.8	1204pm	L   0.4	608pm	H  18.2
3 Th	1233am	L   0.9	636am	H 19.2	107pm	L  -0.2	711pm	H  19.0
4  F	136am	L   0.0	739am	H  20.0	207pm	L  -1.1	810pm	H  20.1
5 Sa	235am	L  -1.2	838am	H  20.9	304pm	L  -1.9	906pm	H  21.1

Example for EASTPORT, ME, April-June, 1997. Please Note: All heights are in feet.
 

• How accurate are the predictions? 

The accuracy of the tide predictions is different for each location. Periodically we do a comparison of the predicted tides vs the observed tides for a calendar year.  The information generated is compiled in a Tide Prediction Accuracy Table. We work to insure that the predictions are as accurate as possible. However, we can only predict the astronomical tides, we cannot predict the effect that wind, rain, freshwater runoff, and other short-term meteorological events will have on the tides.  In general, predictions for stations along the outer coast are more accurate than those for stations farther inland; along a river, or in a bay or other estuary. Inland stations tend to have a stronger non-tidal influence; that is, they are more susceptible to the effects of wind and other meteorological effects than stations along the outer coast. An example of an inland station which is difficult to predict is Baltimore, Maryland. This station is located at the northern end of Chesapeake Bay. Winds which blow along the length of the bay have been known to cause water levels to be 1-2 feet above or below the predicted tides. 
Stations in relatively shallow water, or with a small tidal range, are also highly susceptible to meteorological effects and thus difficult to accurately predict. At these stations, short-term weather events can completely mask the astronomical tides. Many of the stations along the western Gulf of Mexico fall into this category. An example is Galveston, Texas. This station is in a bay which is relatively shallow and has a small opening to the sea. At this station it is possible for meteorological events to delay or accelerate the arrival of the predicted tides by an hour or more. 


  To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity:
To learn more about why the Earth has two tidal bulges, visit the following web sites:

• Tides, Ohio State University 

How are tides caused by the difference between the Moon's gravitational pull on the two sides of the Earth?  Why are tidal forces gradually slowing down the Earth's rotation?  Are tidal forces gradually increasing the size of the Moon's orbit?
http://www-astronomy.mps.ohio-state.edu/~ryden/ast161_8/notes32.html
• Ocean in Motion: Tides - Characteristics, Office of Naval Research 

Learn more about why the Earth has two tidal bulges instead of just one.
http://www.onr.navy.mil/focus/ocean/motion/tides1.htm
To learn more about tidal forces throughout the solar system, visit the following web sites:
• Solar System Bodies: Io, NASA 

Compare the tides on Io to Earth.
http://sse.jpl.nasa.gov/features/planets/jupiter/io.html
• Galileo Continues to Return Data from February's Flyby of Io, Jet Propulsion Laboratory 

In July 10 - 16, 2000, the Galileo spacecraft flew by Io and sent back new information about its tides.
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/galileo/news/thiswk/today000710.html
• Saturn - Lord of the Rings, Tufts University 

Why do planets have rings? Find out about the connection between rings and tidal forces.
http://www.tufts.edu/as/astronomy/LangChap10.html
To learn more about impact craters throughout the solar system, visit the following web sites:
• Impact Craters, NASA 

Get more information about impact craters on Earth and the moon.
http://liftoff.msfc.nasa.gov/Academy/SPACE/SolarSystem/Meteors/Craters.html
• Impact Craters on the Planets, Lunar and Planetary Institute 

Check out images of impact craters on Mercury, Venus, the Moon, Jupiter's moon, Ganymede, Saturn's moon, Dione, and Uranus' moon, Miranda.
http://www.lpi.usra.edu/research/stereo_atlas/HTDOCS/GEOL-C.HTM

Activity 3 --  Orbits and Effects

To learn more about this topic:

1.  Eccentricity
• Kepler's Laws, HyperPhysics 

Check out these diagrams and charts to help understand Kepler's Second Law.
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/kepler.html
2.  Axial Tilt (Obliquity)
• Ask a High Energy Astronomer, NASA 

How does the earth's tilt affect the changing of the seasons, and what different angles cause those different seasons?
http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/ask_astro/answers/980211f.html
• Milankovitch Cycles and Glaciation, Montana State University 

Learn about the connection between eccentricity, axial tilt, and precession in relation to past glaciations.
http://www.homepage.montana.edu/~geol445/hyperglac/time1/milankov.htm
3.  Precession
• Precession, NASA 

This article describes the development and background behind the idea of precession.
http://www-istp.gsfc.nasa.gov/stargaze/Sprecess.htm
• Precession, University of Oregon 

Did you know that the north star can change as the Earth wobbles on its axis?
http://zebu.uoregon.edu/~imamura/121/oct6/precession.html
4.  Inclination
• Solar System Exploration - The Planets 

A profile of various statistics for each planet
http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/features/planets/planet_profiles.html
• Orbital Inclination, Space Science Group 

This page does not include much detail but for a brief definition of inclination.  It does link to a page where you can follow the path of satellites orbiting the Earth (click here).
http://www.spacesciencegroup.nsula.edu/lessons/default.asp?Theme=satellitebasics&PageName=inclination

For more information about planets' orbital inclination, go to the following web sites:

• Solar System Exploration - The Planets 

A profile of various statistics for each planet
http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/features/planets/planet_profiles.html

To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity: To learn more about the gravitational "slingshot" effect, visit the following web sites:

• Ask the Experts, Scientific American 

One student asked: "Some space probes, such as Galileo, were deliberately aimed close to planets in order to increase their velocity through a
gravitational "slingshot" effect . How does this effect work? Why isn't the increased velocity achieved while approaching
the planet exactly canceled as the probe leaves the planet?"  Read the answers from three different scientists in the field.
http://www.sciam.com/askexpert/astronomy/astronomy10.html
• Galileo Overview, Project Galileo 

Learn a little more about how Galileo used the gravitational fields of Earth and Venus to propel itself into space towards Jupiter.  There is also a helpful diagram of its path over time (see here).
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/galileo/overview.html 
To learn more about the orbits of comets and asteroids, visit the following web sites:
• Comet Orbits, Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology 

How Are Orbits Determined?  What Affects a Comet's Orbit?  How Do We Know a Comet is in Its Predicted Orbit?
http://encke.jpl.nasa.gov/orbits.html
• Orbits, Near Earth Object Program - NASA 

Enter the name of any asteroid or comet, and a 3D orbit visualization tool will appear for that object. You can also select from the list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids to see the asteroids orbit in relation the orbits of Earth and other planets in the solar system.
http://neo.jpl.nasa.gov/orbits/

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Activity 4  --  Impact Events and the Earth System

To learn more about this topic:
 
1.  Asteroids
• Asteroid Fact Sheet, National Space Science Data Center at Goddard Space Flight Center 

Check out a list of numerous asteroids with a data set for each.
http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/factsheet/asteroidfact.html
• What Are Asteroids? National Space Science Data Center at Goddard Space Flight Center 

Read a detailed description of asteroids, the different types of asteroids, and where asteroids are located in the solar system.
http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/text/asteroids.txt
2.  Comets
• Comet Fact Sheet, National Space Science Data Center at Goddard Space Flight Center 

Check out this list of numerous comets with a data set for each.
http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/factsheet/cometfact.html
• Comets, University of Arizona 

This page includes some additional background information plus links to other resources.
http://www.seds.org/billa/tnp/comets.html
3.  Meteoroids, Meteors, and Meteorites
• Frequently Asked Questions About Meteors and Meteorites, American Meteor Society  

Curious to know answers to some commonly asked questions.  If you don't understand the answer given, they invite you to contact them for clarification.
http://www.amsmeteors.org/faqm.html#11
• Division of Meteorites, National Museum of Natural History - Smithsonian 

What is a meteorite?  How do you recognize a meteorite if you have one? Find out the answers to these questions plus get information about additional resources.
http://nmnhwww.si.edu/minsci/meteor.htm#6

To see more images of Asteroid Ida and her moon, visit the following web site:

• Asteroids, National Space Science Data Center Photo Gallery 

See images of several different asteroids, including Ida and its moon, Dactyl.
http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/photo_gallery/photogallery-asteroids.html

To see more images of Halley's Comet, visit the following web sites:

• Giotto Mission Page, National Space Science Data Center Photo Gallery 

See images of Halley's Comet taken by Giotto when the comet last past Earth in the 1980s.
http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/imgcat/html/mission_page/CT_Giotto_page1.html
• Comets, National Space Science Data Center Photo Gallery 

See some images of several different comets, including Halley.
http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/photo_gallery/photogallery-comets.html

To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity:

To learn more about impact craters on objects other than Earth, visit the following web sites:
• See the links under the Inquiring Further under Activity 2 for some images and information on impact craters on other bodies in the solar system. 
• Asteroids and Earth Earth History, Exploratorium Magazine Online 

Read a little more about how impact craters form and what they reveal.
http://www.exploratorium.edu/exploring/space/space5.html
To learn more about how scientists maps Earth-approaching asteroids, visit the following web sites:
• Questions and Answers Regarding Near-Earth Asteroids, Jet Propulsion Laboratory 

Get some facts about whether asteroids are a risk to people on Earth.
http://huey.jpl.nasa.gov/~spravdo/neofaq.html
• Relative Positions Of Asteroids Near Earth 

Just for fun, check out this map showing asteroids near Earth.
http://szyzyg.arm.ac.uk/~spm/local_map.html
To learn more about Barringer Crater, visit the following web sites:
• Barringer Crater (Meteor Crater), University of Arizona 

Learn more about how the Barringer Crater came to be recognized as a meteor impact crater.
http://www.geo.arizona.edu/geos256/azgeology/srubison/az1.html
• Eugene Shoemaker, Jet Propulsion Laboratory 

Read a short bibliography about the scientist, Eugene Shoemaker, who made such a significant impact to the study of impact craters.
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/sl9/news81.html

Activity 5  --  The Sun and Its Effects on Your Community

To learn more about this topic:
 
1.  Structure of the Sun
• A Look Inside Our Nearest Star! Montana State University 

Find out more about the interior structure of our nearest star.  This page features a brief introduction with links to separate pages on different parts of the sun.
http://solar.physics.montana.edu/YPOP/Spotlight/SunInfo/Conzone.html
• Solar Radiation, National Snow and Ice Data Center 

Read this primer on solar radiation and learn about the factors that modify the role solar radiation plays in the Earth's energy budget.
http://www-nsidc.colorado.edu/arcticmet/factors/radiation.html
2.  The Earth's Energy Budget
• Earth's Energy Balance, EOS Terra Mission NASA 

This article focuses on the overarching priorities of the Earth Observing System.  Please notice this is a pdf file.
http://eospso.gsfc.nasa.gov/ftp_docs/Energy_Balance.pdf 
• Earth's Energy Budget, Oklahoma Climatological Survey 

Follow along with a two page description of the balance between the amount of energy absorbed into and released out of the Earth's system.
http://k12.ocs.ou.edu/teachers/reference/earthsbudg1.html
3.  Harmful Solar Radiation
• Ultraviolet Radiation, NAS - NASA 

Learn more about the health risks from ultraviolet radiation.
http://www.nas.nasa.gov/NAS/Education/TeacherWork/Ozone/UV.radiation.html
• Sunlight, Ultraviolet Radiation, and the Skin, National Institutes of Health 

A report from 1989 that addresses, among other issues, what are the sources of ultraviolet radiation, and is the extent of human exposure changing over time? 
http://odp.od.nih.gov/consensus/cons/074/074_statement.htm
• Ozone Depletion, EPA 

Navigate through a web site dedicated to the topic of ozone depletion.  In particular, check out the Ozone Science Fact Sheet to review some basic facts.
http://www.epa.gov/docs/ozone/
4.  Sunspots and Solar Flares
• Solar Flares, NASA 

Learn more about solar flare characteristics, making solar flare observations and see a few photographs for examples.
http://science.msfc.nasa.gov/ssl/pad/solar/flares.htm
• Solar Flare Theory, Goddard Space Flight Center - NASA 

The purpose of this page is to provide some general information about solar flares, a "feel" for scientific research into the energetic emissions from flares, and a glance into the future of solar flare research.
http://hesperia.gsfc.nasa.gov/sftheory/index.htm
• Sunspots and the Solar Cycle 

This site offers a host of information about the solar cycle with general descriptions, recent updates, data, and images.
http://www.sunspotcycle.com/

To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity:
To learn more about daily solar activity, visit the following web sites:
• Spaceweather 

Get the most recent information about solar flares, sunspots, and coronal holes.
http://www.spaceweather.com/
• Solar Terrestrial Activity Report 

Check out the most recent sun spot data.
http://www.dxlc.com/solar/
• The very latest SOHO images, The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory - NASA 

See some of the most recent images of the sun.
http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/data/realtime-images.html
To learn more about the auroras, visit the following web sites:
• 'tis the Season for Auroras, NASA 

Autumn is a good time to spot Northern Lights, and scientists would like to know why.
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2001/ast26oct_1.htm
• Auroras - Paintings in the Sky, Exploratorium 

This site will show you what auroras look like on Earth and from space, explain how they are created, and show you where they can be found. Teach yourself using the "Self-Guided Lesson" button.
http://www.exploratorium.edu/learning_studio/auroras/
To learn more about solar radiation and airplane passengers and astronauts, visit the following web sites:
• Radiation Risk Management, NASA 

Find out how NASA protects its astronauts from too much solar radiation.
http://srag-nt.jsc.nasa.gov/FAQ/Protect.htm
To learn more about the hole in the ozone layer, visit the following web sites:
• The Science of Ozone Depletion, EPA 

This page has links to articles that give overviews or broad information, shorter pieces that focus on specific aspects of ozone depletion, international organizations that issue regular updates, and images and animations of ozone levels and ozone depletion.
http://www.epa.gov/docs/ozone/science/science.html
To learn more about the life of British physicist Edward Victor Appleton, visit the following web sites:
• Biography of Sir Edward Victor Appleton, Nobel e-Museum 

Read a biography of the physicist Sir Edward Victor Appleton.
http://www.nobel.se/physics/laureates/1947/appleton-bio.html

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Activity 6  --  The Electromagnetic Spectrum and Your Community

To learn more about this topic:
 
1.  The Nature of Electromagnetic Radiation
• The Electromagnetic Spectrum, NASA 

This home page provides links to two different topic levels, the second slightly more advanced than the first.  The topics for Level One include: Measuring the Electromagnetic Spectrum, A Radio Wave Is Not a Gamma-ray, a Microwave Is Not an X-ray... or Is It?, Why Do We Have to Go to Space to See All of the Electromagnetic Spectrum?.  The topics for Level Two include: More about the Electromagnetic Spectrum, and Space Observatories in Different Regions of the EM Spectrum.
http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/introduction/emspectrum.html
• All About Spectra, University of Illinois 

Try another brief overview on electromagnetic spectrum and electromagnetic wave radiation.
http://archive.ncsa.uiuc.edu/Cyberia/Bima/spectrum.html
2.  Astronomy and the Electromagnetic Spectrum
• An Introduction to Radio Astronomy, National Radio Astronomy Observatory  

The NRAO web site offers an education section with various resources including background information and a photo gallery.  The Introduction to Radio Astronomy is particular page that offers answers to frequently asked questions about radio astronomy, an article about the  VLA and VLBA in New Mexico, and more. 
http://www.aoc.nrao.edu/intro/
• The Electromagnetic Spectrum 

Offers a good description of important properties of the major regions of the spectrum.
http://www.purchon.com/physics/electromagnetic.htm
3.  Using Electromagnetic Radiation to Understand Celestial Objects
• Amazing Space, Space Telescope Science Institute 

Explore space with the Hubble Telescope.  Learn about what different colors say about stars by clicking on Star Light, Star Bright.  See images of different galaxies by clicking on the Galaxy Hunter: A Cosmic Photo Safari. 
http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/

  Part C: Using EMR in Astronomy
To complete the investigation, each student group will need:

• Internet access 
• To learn more about space science missions, visit the following web sites: 
• Space Science Missions, NASA 

This is a comprehensive list of missions either under study, in development, operating, or past missions.
http://spacescience.nasa.gov/missions/
• Historical Archive, NASA 

This page includes a list of the manned missions from the earliest programs to the most recent.
http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/history/history.html

To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity:
To learn more about using radio waves to study distant objects, visit the following web sites:

• Star Party, Scoping out the Universe Under the New Mexico Sky, Discovery Channel 

Find out how scientists study distant objects using the VLA and radio waves.
http://www.discovery.com/stories/science/starparty/980702.html
To learn more about detection of electromagnetic radiation, visit the following web sites:
• NRAO Press Releases, National Radio Astronomy Observatory 

Search through a list of different press releases about scientific discoveries and advancements made with a VLA.
http://www.aoc.nrao.edu/pr/pr.html
• The Very Large Array and the Very Long Baseline Array, National Radio Astronomy Observatory 

Read about the radio telescope arrays that allow scientists to look deep into space
http://www.aoc.nrao.edu/intro/NM_astro.html.
To learn more about technologies that use electromagnetic radiation, visit the following web sites:
• Invention of the Microwave 

Learn more about the history and technology of the microwave oven.
http://www.ideafinder.com/history/inventions/story068.htm
• How does an x-ray machine work? Howstuffworks 

Get the answer.
http://www.howstuffworks.com/question18.htm
• Does the product emit radiation? Device Advice 

Get some helpful definitions and insights into the pervasive nature of radiation-based technology.
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/devadvice/311.html

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Activity 7  --  Our Community's Place Among the Stars

To learn more about this topic:
 
1.  Classifying Stars
• The Classification of Stellar Spectra, Laboratory of High Energy Astrophysics - NASA 

Reviews the various variables that help classify stellar objects.
http://lheawww.gsfc.nasa.gov/users/allen/spectral_classification.html
2.  The Lives of Stars
• Scientific Background for Stellar Life Cycles 

Read another description of the life cycle of stars. 
http://btc.montana.edu/ceres/html/starsbackground.htm
• New Hubble Image Shows Life Cycle of Stars, CNN 

This short article reports on an advancement in understanding star life cycles.
http://www.cnn.com/TECH/space/9906/01/hubble.milky.way/
• A Star's Life, HubbleSite 

Catch a glimpse of the fascinating life cycle of stars.  This movie requires a plug-in to be viewed.
http://hubble.stsci.edu/discoveries/hstexhibit/stars/starslife.shtml

To complete the Inquiring Further section of this activity:

To learn more about the evolution of the Milky Way galaxy, visit the following web sites:
• The Birth and Formation of Galaxies, Origins Education Forum 

This discussion includes the formation of galaxies in general as well as the Milky Way.
http://origins.stsci.edu/under/galaxies.shtml
• The Milky Way - Our Galaxy 

This brief article on the origin of our galaxy also includes several images.
http://www.star.le.ac.uk/edu/mway/
To learn more about starburst knots in other galaxies, visit the following web sites:
• The Birth of Stars, Cornell University 

Page shows a simple but effective diagram demonstrating how a star is born.
http://astrosun.tn.cornell.edu/courses/astro201/star_birth.htm
• Earliest Moments of a Star Birth Imaged, Explorezone.com 

Read about the scientific discovery that helped scientists understand more about our galaxy.
http://explorezone.space.com/archives/00_01/13_distant_clusters.htm
• Star Nurseries, Discovery Channel 

"A new star is born every year in our galaxy."  Learn more about the origin of stars and galaxies.  This page also features several Hubble images.
http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/amazingspace/reports/star.html

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Resources: Web Sites:

• AstroWeb 

http://www.vilspa.esa.es/astroweb/astronomy.html
• Origins Program, NASA: Online Education Forum 

http://origins.stsci.edu/under/forum.shtml
• Sun or Moon Rise/Set Table for One Year 

http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/RS_OneYear.html
• Ask the Experts - Astronomy, Scientific American 

http://www.sciam.com/askexpert/index.cfm?subject=astronomy
• Five Books on Asteroids (with links for more information and reviews) 

http://www.a-ten.com/books/top-five/asteroid.html

Maps:

• Geologic maps: State and local: 
• The United States Geological Survey National Geologic Map Database contains information on how and where to obtain geologic maps. (http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/) 
• Your state Geological Survey - find your state survey on-line at Association of American State Geologists (http://www.kgs.ukans.edu/AASG/AASG.html). 
• Download state geologic maps at About.com's site.  (http://geology.about.com/science/geology/cs/geomapsusstates/) 
• Reading Geologic Maps - informative review on how to read and interpret geologic maps.  (http://geology.about.com/science/geology/library/weekly/aa100800a.htm) 

 
• Geologic maps: Regional (two or more states): 
• The on-line bookstore of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (http://bookstore.AAPG.org; 918-584-2555) 
• Topographic maps: Local 
• The United States Geological Survey MapFinder allows you to order 7.5 minute maps online for $4 per map plus $5 s/h per order. (http://edc.usgs.gov/Webglis/glisbin/finder_main.pl?dataset_name=MAPS_LARGE) 
• The United States Geological Survey maintains a list of Map Dealers.  Click on your state to obtain a list of retailers who sell maps. (http://mapping.usgs.gov/esic/map_dealers/) 
• The United States Geological Survey National Geologic Map Database site on How to find topographic maps (http://ngmsvr.wr.usgs.gov/Other_Resources/rdb_topo.html) 
• TopoZone site allows you to download topographic maps (including USGS maps) for free, at various scales (from 1:100,000 to 1:24,000).  (http://www.topozone.com/) 
• MapServer offers free online viewing of topo, nautical and aeronautical charts plus high altitude digital ortho quads (nav photos). (www.maptech.com and www.mapserver.maptech.com) 
• General Map Resources: 
• An excellent list of map resources available online can be found on the Central Michigan University Resources for Earth Science and Geography Instruction web site.  Included are links to sites to make maps, as well as links to free downloadable outline maps, satellite imagery, GPS, and GIS databases. (http://personal.cmich.edu/~franc1m/locamap.htm) 
• "Maps" - USGS Earth Science Information Center, includes general map information, from how to read maps to how to obtain them.  Also includes links to further information regarding topographic, thematic, planetary maps, and more. (http://ask.usgs.gov/maps.html) 
• National Geographic (maps and videos): 1-800-962-1643 (http://www.nationalgeographic.com/maps/index.html) 
• "Maps of the United States" - USGS fact sheet, contains a series of depictions of the United States, along with information on how to obtain additional US maps. (http://www.usgs.gov/fact-sheets/maps-us/index.html) 
• "Maps of the World" - USGS fact sheet, contains a series of world maps, including outline maps, seismicity maps, and political maps.  Also contains information for ordering more specific world maps. (http://www.usgs.gov/fact-sheets/maps-world/maps-world.html) 
• "National Atlas Maps" - USGS site of a variety of US maps that are available online, including shaded relief maps, aquifer maps, and further information on how to order maps not available online.  (http://www-atlas.usgs.gov/atlasmap.html?) 

Cd Roms:

• From the National Space Data Center 

This page provides answers to frequently asked questions about finding resources about planetary science with many reference to cd roms and other web sites.
http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/planetaryfaq.html

Videos:

• Hunt for Alien Worlds, NOVA - PBS 

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/shop/novavidedu07space.html#alienworlds
• Voyage to the Milky Way, PBS 

http://www.pbs.org/milkyway/

Books:

• Beatty, J. Kelly and Andrew Chaiken (1990), The New Solar System. Sky Publishing Corp. 
• Chartrand, Mark R. (1990), Planets (A Golden Guide). Golden Press. 
• Malin, Stuart (1989), The Greenwich Guide to the Planets. Cambridge University Press. 
• Martin, Martha Evans and Donald Howard Menzel (1966), The Friendly Stars. Dover Publications, Inc. 
• Moore, Patrick (1985), Stargazing: Astronomy Without a Telescope. Barron's Educational Series, Inc. 
• Pasachoff, Jay M. (1990), Peterson First Guides: Solar System. Houghton Mifflin Company. 
• Stott, Carole (1989), The Greenwich Guide to Stargazing. Cambridge University Press. 
• Zim, Herbert S. and Robert H. Baker (1985), Stars (A Golden Guide). Golden Press. 
• Dalrymple, G. Brent, 1991, The Age of the Earth: Stanford, Calif., Stanford University Press, 474 p. 

Magazines:

• Astronomy Magazine is another definitive source for amateur astronomers 
• Sky & Telescope is always a great place to get up to date 
• Geotimes.  Published by the American Geological Institute, this magazine reviews current issues in the Earth Sciences and can serve as a valuable supplemental resource for teachers and students alike.  Visit the web site for online articles and information about obtaining a one-year subscription (40% discount for AGI Member Society members; 65% discount for students). 

(http://www.geotimes.org/current/)
• Excellent sources of high-school level articles are in both National Geographic (which often has maps), and Science News 

(describing the most recent and interesting events in scientific research.) 

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