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Unit 7: Astrophysics Page 58
scale model is 0.1", but we're really just 'empty space'? Our
going to ignore this and all other models shown here are too small
planet diameters so we can fit this to start bringing in the moons, but
model within a 35' scale. you can see why posters showing
the planets are not drawn to scale.
We're going to ignore the sizes of
the planets and just focus on how Experiment: Solar System
far apart everything is. All Treasure Hunt
distances listed below are
measured from the sun. Start by After you've participated in the
marking off the position of the sun Planetarium Star Show (either a
with the tip of a sharp pencil. live presentation or by listening to
the MP3 download for Unit 7), treat
Here are the rest of the distances
your kids to a Solar System
you need to mark off:
Treasure Hunt! You'll need some
sort of treasure (we recommend
Mercury is 4 inches from the sun.
books like Nightwatch or a pair of
Aurora's favorite binoculars, but
Venus is 7.75 inches from the sun.
you can also use 'Mars' candy bars
Earth is 10 inches from the sun. or home made chocolate chip
cookies (call them Galaxy Clusters)
Mars is 1' 4" from the sun. instead.
Jupiter is 4' 8" from the sun. Astronomy Clues
You can print out images of each
Saturn is 8' 6.5" from the sun. planet and match them up with the
clues indicated below. Post images
Uranus is 17' 2" from the sun.
of each of the planets along with
the clue for the next one to really
Neptune is 26' 11" from the sun.
make this an out-of-this-world
experience!
Pluto is 35' 5" from the sun.
The Sun (CLUE #1): Hand this one
Our nearest star, Alpha Centauri,
to the kids to get started.
is approximately 46 miles from the
This object is hot, but not on fire.
sun.
Explore the dryer but don’t
Are you mind-boggled yet? Did you perspire!
notice how the solar system is
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