• Science

    Eclipse

    Eclipse Photo by Mark Tegethoff on Unsplash

    Eclipse What is an eclipse of the Moon? What causes eclipses and why? How often do eclipses happen and when is the next eclipse of the Moon? You’ll learn the answers to these questions and more in Lunar Eclipses for … [continue reading]

  • Science

    Space Book Suggestions

    Book Suggestions Astronomy for Every Kid: 101 Easy Experiment That Really Work, by Janice VanCleave. Using common down-to-earth objects, these out-of-this-world experiments will help your kids discover the scientific principles behind the sun, moon, stars, and planets. Each pretested … [continue reading]

  • Science

    Space Calendar of Events

    Calendar of Events Days of Air & Space Calendar searches by month or date. The Solar System Ambassador Program lists an event calendar. Check for events near you! For details about a specific event, contact the Ambassador directly. The Space … [continue reading]

  • Science

    Asteroids

    Asteroids Asteroids are made up of rock and iron like the four planets closest to our Sun. Juno, the third asteroid ever discovered, September 1, 1804, was first spotted by astronomers early in the 19th century. It orbits the … [continue reading]

  • Science

    Astronomers

    A bird perches atop a statue of Copernicus outside the Adler Planetarium in Chicago, IL. Photo by Dulcey Lima on Unsplash

    Astronomers February 19, 1473 – Astronomer Nicholas Copernicus’ Birthday The Earth-centered Universe of Aristotle and Ptolemy held sway on Western thinking for almost 2000 years. Then, in the 16th century a new idea was proposed by the Polish astronomer Nicolai … [continue reading]

  • Science

    Planets

    Saturn as seen from the Cassini–Huygens space-research mission Photo by NASA on Unsplash

    Planets Venus Transit. New satellites of Jupiter were discovered April 5, 2003. The Institute for Astronomy, University of Hawaii describes the discovery, bringing the total of known Jupiter satellites to 60. Jupiter Irregular Satellite and Moon page lists … [continue reading]

  • Science

    Activities

    Activities Lots of ideas and activities for learning about astronomy with paper plates! Connect the Dots: Space Shuttle The Space Shuttle is a reusable rocket that carries people and satellites into space. The Shuttle is launched from the Kennedy … [continue reading]