The Optics of Telescopes
Backgrounders
Learn about telescopes, how they work & why they're important to astronomers.
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!
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?
Hands-on Activities
Explore the effects of asteroid impacts in this hands on activity.
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.
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 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?
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 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
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!
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 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.
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.
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
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.