Celestial Bodies
What is a star?
A giant ball of hot gas that burns brightly.
True or False: you can use a microscope to see celestial objects
False.
What is a constellation?
A group of stars that form a pattern in the sky.
What is the Moon?
A big, round rock that orbits the Earth. Earth's only natural satellite (orbiting object).
Why is it easier to see celestial objects at night?
Because during daytime, the Sun is shining brightly and it outshines the other stars in the sky, making them difficult to see.
What is an asteroid?
Giant space rocks that orbit the sun. Much smaller in size than a planet.
What is the name of a powerful tool that is used to see distant objects in space?
A telescope
What is another name for the North Star?
Polaris
True or False: the Lunar Calendar has 12 months
False
What is the name of the galaxy that our solar system is a part of?
The Milky Way
What is a comet?
A celestial body made of rock, dust and ice that orbits the Sun. As the icy core melts, a comet will have a long, bright tail.
What is the name of a special theatre that simulates the night sky?
A planetarium
How were constellations used in the past?
Certain constellations have stars that could guide travellers or sailors in different cardinal directions.
True or False: the moon does not create its own light
True
True or False: stars can be millions of kilometers apart
True
What is a planet?
A large, round object that orbits a star. It does not make its' own light.
True or False: it is safe to look directly at a solar eclipse
False. You should be using special solar eclipse glasses for this.
North
About how long is one lunar cycle?
28-29 days
Why is it important to be careful when observing the Sun?
Because it is so bright that it can damage your eyes. You need to be wearing sunglasses that have UV filters, or using a device such as a pinhole camera.
What is the Sun?
A giant star made of helium and hydrogen. The Earth and other planets orbit around the Sun.
What is the Hubble Space Telescope?
A special telescope that orbits the Earth, taking pictures, and gathering new information about the universe.
Which part of the Orion constellation points south?
Orion's sword
How are the 13 full moons in Indigenous culture named?
They are named based on the four seasons and events happening in nature.
Share two things you know about the International Standard Calendar.
It has 12 months, months have different amounts of days, also called the Gregorian Calendar.