Exploring Space

Our relation to the galaxy Earth is part of a system of 8 planets revolving around the Sun The Sun in part of the Milky Way galaxy The Milky Way is one of billions of other galaxies in the universe

Essential Questions How do humans observe and explore space? What do we know and not know (yet) about the solar system?

Your eye

Telescopes Refracting telescope: curved lenses Reflecting telescope: curved mirrors

Hubble Space Telescope, 1990

Today Inquiry Mini Lab: What is white light? p. 691 Complete Analyze and Conclude Questions (Q 1 – 3) Read & take notes on earth based & space based telescopes (p. 692 – 695) Extra question: Why do scientists use space telescopes?

Voyager’s Golden Record The Voyager Golden Records are phonograph records which were included aboard both Voyager spacecraft, which were launched in 1977. They contain sounds and images selected to portray the diversity of life and culture on Earth, and are intended for any intelligent extraterrestrial life form, or for future humans, who may find them. The Voyager spacecraft are not heading toward any particular star, but Voyager 1 will be within 1.6 light-years of the star Gliese 445, currently in the constellation Camelopardalis, in about 40,000 years.[1] As the probes are extremely small compared to the vastness of interstellar space, the probability of a space-faring civilization encountering them is very small, especially since the probes will eventually stop emitting electromagnetic radiation meant for communication.

Space Exploration Brochure Rockets (p. 699) Artificial satellites (p. 700) Space probes (p. 701, p. 707 - 709) Space shuttles (p. 702) The search for life (p. 711) For each mode of exploration, research the following What is it? How does it work? Two examples of explorations Interesting discoveries made

Early History of Space Exploration & Recent and Future Space Missions 1. Submit your questions from the lab in the last class

Science Fair May 6th: Second draft of data, results and conclusions. Send 5 pictures of you and your partners working on the project to Ms. Possamai May 16th: Hard copy of ALL your projects for final corrections, including graphs May 22nd: Display boards due May 26 – 29th: Practice presentations May 30th: Science Fair

http://science-edu.larc.nasa.gov/EDDOCS/Wavelengths_for_Colors.html

Space Technology