1. Exploring Space

2. 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

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

4. Your eye

5. Telescopes Refracting telescope: curved lenses
Reflecting telescope: curved mirrors

6. Hubble Space Telescope, 1990

7. 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?

8. Voyager’s Golden Record
The Voyager Golden Records are phonograph records which were included aboard both Voyager spacecraft, which were launched in 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.

10. Space Exploration Brochure
Rockets (p. 699)
Artificial satellites (p. 700)
Space probes (p. 701, p )
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

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

12. 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

14. Space Technology