Vocabulary
The Night Sky
Properties of Stars
Observing Stars
Ancient Light
100
What is a tool that magnifies objects and makes them look closer and bigger?
Telescope
100
Why can't we see the other stars in the day sky?
During the day, light from the sun washes out the light from the other stars.
100
At what point are you able to see stars in the sky?
When the sky is dark enough that starlight can be seen.
100
Why do scientists use telescopes to observe the stars?
They can see more stars when they look through a telescope; the stars appear bigger and closer; so it is easier to see details and observe properties such as color and brightness.
100
What unit of distance do scientists use to measure the distances of stars from Earth?
Light years
200
What is something about an object that you can observe?
Property
200
Which star is closest to Earth?
The Sun.
200
Why do you think that only a few stars are visible at first?
They are brighter, bigger, or closer to us.
200
Scientists have learned that the properties of stars change during their life cycles. What properties do you think might change?
Color, size, temperature, brightness
200
If a star is 3 light years away from Earth, how long does it take light from that star to reach Earth?
3 years
300
What is a glowing ball of hot gases?
Star
300
Why can't we see the sun in then night sky?
At night, the part of Earth we are on is turned away from the sun.
300
What are some properties you can observe about stars?
Color, size, surface temperature, brightness
300
What was the name of the telescope on the top of the mountain in Hawaii?
The Gemini North Observatory
300
What are the colors of stars in order from hottest to coolest?
Blue, White, Yellow, Red
400
What is the amount of light that reaches your eye from an object such as a star?
Brightness
400
Do you think it used to be easier for people to see the stars at night? Why or Why not?
Yes, because there were fewer bight cities with bright lights.
400
Ty saw two stars in the night sky. One was very bright, and the other was not bright. What is one reason for the difference in brightness?
Stars differ in brightness. Depends on the different distance from Earth, different size of the star, different surface temperatures, and different colors.
400
Kelsey looked at the night sky through a telescope and then with her eyes alone. What looked different when she used the telescope?
She saw many more stars
400
What do astronomers study?
Objects in space, such as stars and galaxies
500
What is it called when you use your senses to learn about an object or event?
Observe
500
Tom observed the sun and other stars. What property of the other stars makes them look like points of light compared to the sun?
They are farther away from Earth than the sun is.
500
Some stars in the night sky appear brighter than others. What are three reasons one star might look brighter than another star?
The brighter star might give off more light, might be closer to Earth, or might be larger
500
Two scientists are working to study a new group of stars. What are two reasons why it is useful for them to talk about their work?
They can share ideas, discuss their observations, discuss their new discoveries, compare notes, they can learn from each other
500
What do you think the term light-minute would mean?
A light minute is the distance light travels in one minute.
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