The activities in this book explain elementary concepts in the study of the solar system, including orbits, the sun, the moon and moon phases, planets, seasons, and day and night. General background information, suggested activities, questions for discussion, and answers are included. Encourage students to keep completed pages in a folder or notebook for further reference and review.

The story of Pluto and its largest moon, from discovery through the New Horizons flyby--Provided by publisher.

The material in this book deals with basic concepts from the modern study of planetary and astronomical sciences. Objects in our solar system and in outer space are studied and compared. Each of the twelve teaching units in this book is introduced by a color transparency (print books) or PowerPoint slide (eBooks) that emphasizes the basic concept of the unit and presents questions for discussion. Reproducible student pages provide reinforcement and follow-up activities. The teaching guide offers descriptions of the basic concepts to be presented, background information, suggestions for enrichment activities, and a complete answer key.

The activities in this book reinforce basic concepts in the study of the universe, including the planets, stars, comets, astronomers and their tools, and space travel. General background information, suggested activities, questions for discussion, and answers are included. Encourage students to keep completed pages in a folder or notebook for reference and review.

The information and activities in this Space Exploration Resource Guide are organized in roughly three sections: the Space Travel Simulation; Our Solar System and Beyond; and Energy, Force, and Motion in Space. Learning opportunities in each section are planned to engage children and teachers in experiences that allow for free exploration, concept development, and application of concepts. A classroom space shuttle simulation provides the focus for child exploration throughout the unit of study. The activities in the resource guide are not organized in a sequential, lock-step way, but rather are structured so teachers can choose from activities as if they were selecting from a menu—planning learning opportunities based on children's interests and levels of understanding. Four transparencies (print books) or PowerPoint slides (eBooks) are included to engage students in discussion and reinforce the concepts presented in the book.

Viewing and Imaging the Solar System: A Guide for Amateur Astronomers is for those who want to develop their ability to observe and image Solar System objects, including the planets and moons, the Sun, and comets and asteroids. They might be beginners, or they may have already owned and used an astronomical telescope for a year or more. Newcomers are almost always wowed by sights such as the rings of Saturn and the moons of Jupiter, but have little idea how to find these objects for themselves (with the obvious exceptions of the Sun and Moon). They also need guidance about what equipment, besides a telescope, they will need. This book is written by an expert on the Solar System, who has had a lot of experience with outreach programs, which teach others how to make the most of relatively simple and low-cost equipment. That does not mean that this book is not for serious amateurs. On the contrary, it is designed to show amateur astronomers, in a relatively light-hearted—and math-free way—how to become serious.

Long before Galileo published his discoveries about Jupiter, lunar craters, and the Milky Way in the Starry Messenger in 1610, people were fascinated with the planets and stars around them. That interest continues today, and scientists are making new discoveries at an astounding rate. Ancient lake beds on Mars, robotic spacecraft missions, and new definitions of planets now dominate the news. How can you take it all in? Start with the new Encyclopedia of the Solar System, Second Edition.This self-contained reference follows the trail blazed by the bestselling first edition. It provides a framework for understanding the origin and evolution of the solar system, historical discoveries, and details about planetary bodies and how they interact—and has jumped light years ahead in terms of new information and visual impact. Offering more than 50% new material, the Encyclopedia includes the latest explorations and observations, hundreds of new color digital images and illustrations, and more than 1,000 pages. It stands alone as the definitive work in this field, and will serve as a modern messenger of scientific discovery and provide a look into the future of our solar system.· Forty-seven chapters from 75+ eminent authors review fundamental topics as well as new models, theories, and discussions· Each entry is detailed and scientifically rigorous, yet accessible to undergraduate students and amateur astronomers· More than 700 full-color digital images and diagrams from current space missions and observatories amplify the chapters· Thematic chapters provide up-to-date coverage, including a discussion on the new International Astronomical Union (IAU) vote on the definition of a planet· Information is easily accessible with numerous cross-references and a full glossary and index