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Space Science

The rocky planets

The Inner Solar System

STEM Explained

Earth is covered in rocks. So are Mercury, Venus, Mars and the Moon. Does that mean the rocky planets are all the same?

Keplers Supernova. Image © NASA

The Life and Death of Stars

STEM Explained

The life and death of stars form the chemical elements that make up Earth, making stars critical to life as we know it.

Milky Way galaxy as seen from Australia (Brett Ritchie via Unsplash)

The Milky Way

STEM Explained

In 2019, scientists discovered that our galaxy, the Milky Way, is not the shape they thought it was. How do astronomers use astronomical distance to understand the shapes of galaxies?

The Parkes Observatory in New South Wales, Australia

The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence - and How You Can Help!

STEM Explained

When astronomers search for extraterrestrial life, they often have to listen for radio waves coming from deep space. If you’re interested, you can help!

Space junk

Space Junk

STEM Explained

Litter isn't just a problem on Earth. When litter ends up in space, it can cause collisions and other consequences for satellites, the International Space Station and even for people on Earth!

Former Canadian astronaut Robert Thirsk enjoys cycling on board the ISS

Spaceflight and Bone Loss

STEM Explained

Astronauts can experience bone loss in space. To understand why, you need to know a bit about how bones are formed and maintained in your body.

Radiation shielding garment on the International Space Station

Radiation and Human Space Exploration

STEM Explained

One of the greatest hazards that humans in space face is cosmic radiation. Learn what cosmic radiation is, why it's dangerous, and ways that we are looking at protecting humans in deep space.

An artist’s impression of a habitable exoplanet orbiting a red dwarf star

Searching for exoplanets around the star next door

STEM Explained

In planetary science, astronomers have found planets that orbit other stars, just like Earth orbits the Sun. Some of them might even be able to support life.

Full moon

Moon: Phases

Picture Collections

8 images of different lunar phases showing the portion of the Moon lit by the Sun as the Moon orbits the Earth and as seen by us on Earth

 Inside the Destiny Laboratory Module on board the International Space Station

Noise on Earth and on the International Space Station

Backgrounders

This backgrounder explains what noise is, how it is measured, and how it affects our hearing, wellness and more.

Lighting inside the Destiny Laboratory Module

Light on Earth and on the International Space Station

Backgrounders

This backgrounder explains what light is, how it is measured, and how it affects people on Earth and astronauts on board the International Space Station.

Condensation on a window pane

Humidity on Earth and on the Space Station

Backgrounders

Humidity is an important part of life on Earth and life in space. This backgrounder explains what humidity is, how it is measured and how it affects us both mentally and physically.

Condensation on the window of the Apollo 12 Lunar Module, November 1969

Humidity on Earth and on the ISS

Backgrounders

Humidity is an important part of life on Earth and life in space. This backgrounder explains what humidity is, how it is measured and how it affects us both mentally and physically.

compass pointing north

How can I tell which way is north at night?

Hands-on Activities

Do you like to look at the stars? What can you identify in the night sky? Try finding some important constellations tonight!

Canadian pilot

From Sky to Space

STEM Explained

Canadian astronauts Jeremy Hansen and David Saint-Jacques explain how learning to fly an aircraft prepared them for the challenges of living in space.