Stars and Sun
What is the closest star to Earth?
The Sun
How long does it take for Earth to revolve around the Sun?
One Year (365 days)
How often does the Moon orbit Earth?
About once a month
What is one way technology helps us study the universe?
Telescopes help us observe distant stars, galaxies, and other objects in space.
What is special about the orbit of planets in our solar system?
Planets orbit around the Sun in elliptical (oval-shaped) paths.
If the Sun is a medium-sized star, why does it appear bigger and brighter than other stars?
Because the Sun is much closer to Earth than any other star.
How do we measure the length of a day on Earth?
By one complete rotation of the Earth on its axis.
What causes the phases of the Moon?
The sunlit shape of the Moon as seen from Earth.
How does a telescope help us observe space?
A telescope collects more light than the human eye, allowing us to see distant objects in more detail.
Why can it be difficult to create models of objects in space?
Models can't show exact measurements or the composition of objects, and it is difficult to scale them accurately.
What is a star made of?
Large balls of burning gases, mainly hydrogen and helium.
What would happen if Earth rotated more quickly on its axis?
We would have shorter days and nights
How can we identify the phases of the Moon?
By observing the sunlit portion of the Moon that is visible from Earth.
What is a probe and how does it help us understand space?
A probe is a satellite sent into space to take detailed pictures and gather data from distant objects, such as planets or moons.
How do models of the Sun, planets, and the universe help us?
Models allow us to quickly compare the sizes, positions, and movements of objects in space.
How do stars appear to move through the sky at night?
As the Earth rotates, the star patterns seem to move or change.
What natural occurrence happens because Earth is tilted on its axis?
The changing of seasons.
Describe one way to show how day and night occur on Earth.
Use a foam ball (Earth) and a flashlight (Sun). Slowly spin the foam ball while shining the flashlight on it to show how different parts of the Earth experience day and night.
What makes a satellite different from a probe?
A satellite orbits around a planet or star, while a probe travels through space to collect data and send it back to Earth.
What does a foam ball and flashlight demonstration explain about day and night?
It demonstrates how Earth's rotation causes different parts of the planet to experience day and night.
How are stars different from planets?
Stars are huge balls of glowing gas that produce their own heat and light, while planets are solid, no light bodies that revolve around stars and reflect their light.
What would happen if Earth's axis were not tilted?
We would not experience different seasons.
Explain why the Moon appears to change shape in the sky from Earth.
The phases of the Moon are caused by the changing angles between the Earth, Moon, and Sun as the Moon orbits the Earth.
How do technological advancements help us explore planets and stars?
Technologies like telescopes, probes, and rovers allow us to collect data, images, and other information from space, expanding our understanding of the universe.
What are some limitations of models when representing real objects in space?
Models can't show the exact scale, distances, or details like the composition of planets and stars, and they may oversimplify complex systems.