1. Science
Notes: Stnd 24
Date
Standard 24: 8.ETS1.2
Celestial Observation Technology
Research and communicate information to describe how data from technologies (telescopes, spectroscopes, satellites, and space probes) provide information about objects in the solar system and universe.
Science and Engineering Practice(s)
Obtain and communicate information, Construct Explanations
Crosscutting Concepts
Cause and Effect, Stability and Change
I Can Statement
...I can explain how we use technology resources to examine our
solar system, our galaxy, and the universe.

2. Hobby-Eberly Telescope
Telescopes
We use telescopes to observe objects in space and their motions.
Telescopes help us understand the formation of planets, stars, solar systems, galaxies, and the universe.
We have telescopes on Earth (called ground-based) and in orbit around our planet (called space-based).
Hobby-Eberly Telescope
McDonald Observatory
Keck Telescopes
Manua Kea Observatory

3. Telescopes Are Like Time Machines
Since light travels at a constant speed, when we observe an object 100 million light years away we are seeing it as it was 100 million years ago. We are “looking back into time.”
We use this phenomenon to observe the formation and evolution of galaxies, stars, and planets across the universe.
Link (2:30): Time Traveling Astronomy

4. Types of Telescopes
Different types help us see all of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Electromagnetic Spectrum: includes all the wavelengths of light.
Light is a wave of alternating electric and magnetic fields.
Without special equipment, we can only see a small part of this electromagnetic spectrum called visible light.
Link (2:48): What is Light?
Six Types of Telescopes
1) Optical Telescopes
2) Infrared Telescopes
3) Gamma ray Telescopes
4) X-ray telescopes
5) Ultraviolet Telescopes
6) Radio Telescopes
Link (3:24): Different Types of Telescopes

5. Link (3:12): Hubble Space Telescope
Optical Telescopes
Optical telescopes gather light in the 400 to 790 terahertz range.
They enable us to view celestial objects in the visible light portion of the EM spectrum.
Link (3:12): Hubble Space Telescope
Chandra Telescope
Indian Astronomical Observatory
Hubble Telescope
NASA’s Great Observatory

6. Link (4:28): W.I.S.E. Wide Field Infrared Survey Explorer
Infrared Telescopes
These telescopes gather radiation in the 300 gigahertz to 400 terahertz range. They enable us to view celestial objects in the infrared portion of the EM spectrum.
Link (4:28): W.I.S.E. Wide Field Infrared Survey Explorer
W.I.S.E. Wide Field Infrared Survey Explorer

7. Link (5:18): NASA's Fermi Space Telescope
Gamma-ray Telescopes
These telescopes gather high-energy radiation (100 electron-volts or higher). They enable us to view celestial objects in the gamma-ray portion of the EM spectrum.
Link (5:18): NASA's Fermi Space Telescope
M.A.G.I.C Telescope
La Palma, Canary Islands
Fermi Telescope
Gamma-ray Space Telescope

8. Link (5:46): Chandra Xray Space Telescope
X-ray Telescopes
These telescopes gather radiation in the 30 petahertz to 30 exahertz range. They enable us to view celestial objects in the X-ray portion of the EM spectrum.
Link (5:46): Chandra Xray Space Telescope
Chandra Space Telescope
NASA’s X-ray Observatory

9. Ultraviolet Telescopes Link (2:02): Ultraviolet Space Telescope
These telescopes gather radiation in range between visible light and X-rays. They enable us to view celestial objects in the ultraviolet portion of the EM spectrum.
Link (2:02): Ultraviolet Space Telescope
Spektr-UV Space Telescope
World Space Observatory-Ultraviolet

10. Cassini-Huygens (USA) Exploring Jupiter and Beyond
Robotic Explorers In Our Solar System
used instead of humans for dangerous and/or tedious missions
robots have explored planets, moons, and comets
Cassini-Huygens (USA)
1997-Present
Exploring Saturn
Exploring Jupiter and Beyond
Voyager 1 (USA)
1977-Present

11. Viking 1 and 2 Orbiter (USA) Viking 1 and 2 Lander (USA)
NASA's Robot Explorers
Exploring Mars
Viking 1 and 2 Orbiter (USA)
Exploring Mars 1976
Viking 1 and 2 Lander (USA)
Exploring Mars 1976

12. NASA's Robot Explorers Exploring Mars
In 1996 the Sojourner rover was sent to Mars, and in 2007 the Phoenix Lander was sent to Mars
View Video Clip:
Link (6 min 06 sec): Mission to Mars (Launch and Landing)
Mars Phoenix Lander
2008
Sojourner Rover
1997

13. Opportunity Rover On Mars
NASA's Robot Explorers
Exploring Mars
In 2003 two robots (Spirit & Opportunity) were sent to Mars
Each robot was only expected to operate for 90 Martian days
They both exceeded that time and provided years of data
Opportunity Rover On Mars
2004-Present
Spirit Rover On Mars

14. Curiosity Rover On Mars
Exploring Mars
The Curiosity rover was sent to Mars in 2011 by NASA
Larger and more robust than the previous rovers, this robot explorer has drills and a laser device for experiments
View Video Clips:
Link 01 (2 min 39 sec): Buidling the Curiosity Rover
Link 02 (2 min 23 sec): Curiosity Landing on Mars
Curiosity Rover On Mars
2012-Present