Unit 3, Week 1-2

Celestial bodies are so far away that scientists needed to develop special methods to learn more about them.

Take a look at the photograph of the moon in the sky (1st picture).

• Astronomy is the study of outer space.

• Astronomers study the planets as well as the objects far beyond our solar system. They use special tools such as telescopes, satellites, and spaceships to study the universe.

Take a look at the picture above with the title "Discover the Universe"

Astronomers first learned about Earth and its neighbors by looking up.

• Today scientists use telescopes, satellites, and manned spaceships to study the universe.

• They make new discoveries every day about Earth and our solar system.

Think about this question: What do we know about Earth and its neighbors?

What do we know about discoveries about Earth and its neighbors?

When Earth revolves around the sun, the seasons change. Earth is one of the planets in our galaxy, so far, that has life. There is no oxygen in space and no gravity. The moon revolves around the Earth. Some planets: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Venus, also have many moons.

Class Discussion Questions

1. Which of Earth's neighbors is in the picture?

In this picture, we see the moon (Earth's closest neighbor).

2. How do you think people have learned about planets, moons, and stars?

People have learned about these celestial bodies by using telescopes, sending rovers and astronauts up to space to take photographs, explore and collect dust rock that scientists can study back on Earth.

Weekly Opener Video

1. How have astronauts learned about the Moon?

Astronauts have learned about the moon by collecting dust and rocks during their visit to the moon which they then have used to study.

2. What does the Hubble telescope allow us to see?

The Hubble telescope allows us to see anything in our galaxy up close through photographs.

Build Background Photos

1. What are observations used for?

Observations are used to look closely at something and study and learn more about it. It allows us to make discoveries.

2. How are telescopes at observatories different from telescopes that are used at home?

Telescopes at observatories are bigger and used to see further into space; outer galaxies. On the other hand, telescopes used at home are smaller and used to view things within our galaxy.