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Cluster 4:Exploring the Universe

Tree through the four seasons

Why do we have seasons?

Backgrounders

Learn why seasons change. Discover how they’re different in the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

Adult and children looking through telescope

The Optics of Telescopes

Backgrounders

Learn about telescopes, how they work & why they're important to astronomers.

Why is everything so small down there?

Why is everything so small down there?

Hands-on Activities

Explore how we see things far and near and from different angles. It's all about perspective!

ChaoticMind75 - iStock

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

Hands-on Activities

Learn why we have seasons in this hands on activity.

The planet Mars

What is your weight on another planet?

Hands-on Activities

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

What would happen if a meteor hit Earth?

What would happen if a meteor hit Earth?

Hands-on Activities

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

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!

International Space Station in the rays of the Sun

Temperature on Earth and on the ISS

Backgrounders

Temperature is an important part of life on Earth and life in space. This backgrounder explains what temperature is, how it affects people and how it is controlled on the International Space Station.

Mars Science Laboratory Parachute Qualification Testing

Testing Parachutes for Mars

STEM Explained

NASA engineers apply kinematics and dynamics to test parachutes designed specifically to help space probes land safely using aerodynamics.

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?

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.

Sunrise

Sun: Sunrise

Picture Collections

5 images of scenes showing various sunrises

Sunset

Sun: Sunset

Picture Collections

5 images of scenes showing various sunsets

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.