Space Unit 2

Learning Goals We are learning terms associated with the study of astronomy. We are learning to identify objects in the night sky.

Definitions Astronomy: the scientific study of what is beyond Earth Universe: everything that exists, including all energy, matter and space Celestial object: any object that exists in space

Celestial Objects Celestial Object(s) Description

stars a massive collection of gases, held together by its own gravity and emits huge amounts of energy our star: The Sun

planets a large celestial object that travels around a star our planet: Earth

Moons a type of satellite (a celestial object that travels around a planet in a closed path (orbit)) our Moon

Asteroids small celestial objects composed of rock and metal orbit the Sun but are too small to be considered planets

Meteoroids a piece of metal or rock that is smaller than an asteroid usually burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere = shooting star can cause craters

Comets large chunks of ice, dust, and rock that orbit the Sun in a very long orbit sublimates (turns from a solid to gas) as it gets close to the Sun forming a coma 2 tails

Solar Systems consists of the Sun, the planets and their moons and other smaller celestial objects (i.e. comets, meteoroids and asteroids)

Galaxies a huge collection of stars, gas, dust, and planets our Galaxy: the Milky Way

The Universe

Activity: Create a Horizon Diagram (Text Ref. Page 307) Purpose: To create a diagram that shows the positions of celestial objects as seen against the horizon. Materials & Procedure: Grab a flashlight then follow steps 2-4 on page 307 in Science Perspectives 9. Observations: Draw your horizon diagram. Analysis Questions: Answer questions A-C.

Learning Goals We are learning terms associated with the study of astronomy. We are learning to identify objects in the night sky.

Please complete Read pages 305-308 Questions #1-9