Observe: Learning About Space

Since Galileo directed the first telescope up into the night sky, humans have developed numerous technologies to learn more about the mysteries of space. Being able to send high-powered telescopes, space probes, and rovers into the furthest reaches of space allows us to see into regions of space that humans are not able to visit.

High-powered telescopes use radio waves to see farther into space and provide clearer images than basic light telescopes can.

Many space probes have been designed to study Earth or measure properties of space. Other probes use telescopes or other instruments to study planets, stars, and galaxies that are far away.

Probes that travel to other planets have changed. The first probes could study a few features of a planet. Modern probes are sophisticated and can travel great distances to study a wide range of features on planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.

The sophisticated modern space probes are in various forms: spacecraft, orbiter, lander, and rover. Rovers have been sent to the moon and Mars to take pictures and gather information.

The International Space Station is a science laboratory in space to perform experiments and gather data that cannot be obtained from Earth.

Manned space flight is another way we are able to learn more about space. Although sending people into space is a risky and expensive option, it is the one that captures the most public interest as well as our imaginations.

Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon in 1967, died in 2012, which is forty-five years after his historic statement from the moon: “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”

In this activity, you will research various technologies and procedures used to learn about planets and other objects in the night sky.