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Solar System

Katie Mack headshot

Katie Mack (she/her)

Hawking Chair in Cosmology and Science Communication

I study of the fundamental physics of the universe.
Lunar lander floating above the moon, with the Earth in the background

Let's Talk Space Exploration Resources

Discover a set of resources to develop background knowledge on the topic of space exploration.

Mars Perseverance rover

Exploration of the Planets in the Solar System

Learn about how spacecraft have helped us learn about our Solar System.

Pluto lit by a distant Sun

Meet Our Dwarf Planets

Learn about the dwarf planets in our Solar System.

Meteor seen through an opening in the trees

Meteoroids, Meteors and Meteorites

Learn about where and when to find meteoroids, meteors and meteorites.

Jupiter’s atmosphere taken from NASA's Juno spacecraft

The Outer Solar System

Learn about the amazing planets and moons of the outer Solar System.

ChaoticMind75 - iStock

Why is it colder in the winter even though the Earth is closer to the Sun?

Learn why we have seasons in this hands on activity.

What would happen if a meteor hit Earth?

What would happen if a meteor hit Earth?

Explore the effects of asteroid impacts in this hands on activity.

The planet Mars

What is your weight on another planet?

Do you weigh the same on Jupiter as you do on Earth? Learn to calculate your weight on a different planet.

The rocky planets

The Inner Solar System

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

Daedulus crater on the Moon

Impact Craters

Learn about how craters are formed and about some of Canada's impact craters.

compass pointing north

How can I tell which way is north at night?

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

Screen capture from the video “Dealing With Asteroids and Other Space Hazards”

Dealing with Asteroids and Other Space Hazards

Find out how asteroids, space debris, and cosmic radiation can be dangerous, and how to monitor them and protect ourselves from these space hazards.

Asteroid approaching Earth

Could We Stop an Asteroid?

If an asteroid were to hit the Earth it could be disastrous. Here are some ways we could protect ourselves.