Strand E: Space Exploration

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

Learn why we have seasons in this hands on activity.

Oceans absorb the greatest amount of solar radiation on Earth. Ocean warming can lead to glaciers melting and ocean acidification.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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?

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!

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!

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.

5 images of scenes showing various sunrises

5 images of scenes showing various sunsets