Astronomy and Space Sites

About the Sun

About the Sun is the perfect website if you want to learn everything there is to know about the Sun. If you want to experience the sun, that is, amazingly, also possible. You can find information on the Sun's size and age as well as its sunspots. Additionally, scientific research is also available. Other facts include the sun’s relation to global warming, the suns vital statistics, and more! But perhaps the most interesting information includes how to observe the sun (safely) and how to listen to it--yes, you can listen to the sun, and this site explains how.

Visit Site: http://solar-center.stanford.edu/about/

Amazing Space

Amazing Space is for students of all ages interested in witnessing outer space via telescope. You can learn about the stars and planets in our own galaxy, the Milky Way, or you can learn about how the Hubble telescope has led to amazing discoveries in distant galaxies. The site has everything you need—from trivia on comets and asteroids to math to the history of science. Do not miss the discussion on planets outside our own solar system as well as a very unique gallery of an actual black hole.

Visit Site: http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/

Astronomy For Kids

Astronomy for Kids is a fun outline of just about any scientific body you want to study. From notes about the solar system to notes about the galaxies, it offers a brief outline of each topic. However, it also offers more in-depth information about NASA’s exploration of space, and it encourages children to ask questions, the answers to which are later posted on the blackboard. It also has a complete gallery of the Hubble telescope photos and a directory of links of interest to kids.

Visit Site: http://www.frontiernet.net/~kidpower/astronomy.html

Astronomy for Kids

Astronomy for Kids offers kids the ability to learn about the planets, and it also offers information on everything sky related. From wonders in the sky to sky maps, Astronomy for Kids offers a brief summary of the usual topics, and it also has an interesting history on the constellations. In the constellations section, you can learn what time of year a constellation is visible and where to aim your telescope to see it. The beginner section is especially aimed at students new to the topic of astronomy and the study of space.

Visit Site: http://www.dustbunny.com/afk/

Astronomy Magazine

Astronomy Magazine is a comprehensive astronomy site, providing news, videos, community access, and shopping. Each issue features articles by industry professionals, scientists, and astronomers. Back issues are available, making sure that any not-so-recent news or research can be readily accessed. From astronomical events such as when planets are available to cutting research on black holes or gravitational waves, Astronomy Magazine contains all the information necessary to ensure astronomy enthusiasts, as well as professionals, remain up to date.

Visit Site: http://www.astronomy.com/

Black Holes

The Black Holes website provides students with information on black holes and neuron stars, but the amazing content includes videos and virtual trips to black holes. Historical information about the initial detection of black holes is available as is the manner in which black holes are formed. General information is available as are the methods by which scientists identify different types of black holes. The question-and-answer section provides many black-hole-related answers to common and not-so-common questions.

Visit Site: http://www.eclipse.net/~cmmiller/BH/blkmain.html

Challenger Center

Challenger Center offers students the opportunity to learn about the space shuttle missions, the astronauts, and the discoveries made during the missions. Its primary mission is to spark curiosity in STEM fields: chemistry, computers, information technology, engineering, geosciences, life sciences, math, physics, and astronomy. Upcoming learning tools for teachers include simulations to teach students real-world applications of STEM topics. STEM-related career information will also be available. Learning experiences also include an Earth-to-Mars design challenge, which challenges students to map the extreme engineering requirements for Mars exploration and eventual habitation.

Visit Site: http://www.challenger.org/

Hot Sun Facts

Hot Sun Facts provides, of course, facts about the sun. You can learn about fusion, the violent process within the sun that powers it and all stars. The site also offers a downloadable gallery of solar images. One of the most interesting aspects of Hot Sun Facts is the ability to access real-time images of the sun, complete with notations on sunspots and solar flares. You can also learn how much the sun weighs and how it compares to other stars across the universe.

Visit Site: http://library.thinkquest.org/15215/Facts/index.html

Human Spaceflight

Human Spaceflight is dedicated to providing historical and up-to-date information about the history of space exploration. Along with links to the space shuttle site as well as news on NASA, Human Spaceflight is filled with every detail students, enthusiasts, and aspiring astronauts might want to know. Featured content includes a history of all the space missions and the crafts involved as well as a gallery of images. Additionally, you can read about behind-the-scenes information on NASA’s three-week Aquarius training program.

Visit Site: http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/home/index.html

Kids Astronomy

Kids Astronomy allows you to learn astronomy in fun, engaging ways perfect for young learners. Cartoon graphics make learning about the solar system, stars, black holes, and galaxies as easy and as fun as reading a comic book. However, you will also find games, quizzes, and worksheets to aid in the learning process. Educational videos supplement the site, and you can also learn about space exploration, including the search for extra-terrestrial life. There is a variety of interesting content as well as a discussion of what it takes to live in space.

Visit Site: http://www.kidsastronomy.com/

Layers of the Sun

Layers of the Sun offers you an in-depth look at the sun’s inner components, how fusion powers the sun, and how fusion can be achieved through technological processes. It covers in great detail the surface of the sun, each layer, the historical evolution of the sun, and the energy output during each phase of its existence. Content is provided in up to six languages, and printable charts are available for offline viewing or as teaching aids.

Visit Site: http://fusedweb.pppl.gov/CPEP/Chart_Pages/5.Plasmas/SunLayers.html

More Astronomy for Kids

More Astronomy for Kids offers overviews of astronomy in ways that that will engage kids and pique their interest. From bits of trivia such as the total number of Jupiter’s moons to which planet is the most like Earth, you can learn about planets, asteroids, comets, and stars. Resources for home-school educators and students are available along with a variety of resources for new sky watchers.

Visit Site: http://library.thinkquest.org/3645/page2.html

NASA

When it comes to space, NASA is where it begins and ends. On NASA, you can discover information on all the space programs, and you can enjoy the image and video galleries. Images and videos are available under NASA’s terms of service, which allow for the inclusion of the material into exhibits, simulations, and web pages. Download their podcast, or follow NASA news on NASA television. Topics cover space history, Earth's evolution, and how NASA’s research benefits average people. Current news topics are available on the website, many of which focus on Mars exploration.

Visit Site: http://www.nasa.gov/

National Air and Space Museum

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum offers historical coverage of everything related to space exploration, the missions, and the objects collected during the missions. Dates of upcoming exhibits are available, with online and real-world exhibits scheduled regularly. The space object collections are fascinating, including those available for viewing and those undergoing restoration. Collections of STEM science webcasts are available, each webcast lasting approximately 30-minutes in duration. Various educator resources including galleries and media presentations are also available.

Visit Site: http://www.nasm.si.edu/

Phases of the Moon

Phases of the Moon offers information about the revolution of the moon around the earth as well as an explanation of the moon's eight different phases. Explanations regarding what causes the phases as well as what lights the moon are available. Tips for watching the moon are available, and you can access information on the best times to view each different phase. Animated videos illustrate the moon's orbit as well as the process of the moon’s waning, waxing, and gibbous phases.

Visit Site: http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/time/moon/phases.html

Space Day

Space Day offers lessons plans and information regarding a variety of space-related events. Space-themed games, such as "Space Puzzler" and "Star Search," are available. A directory of links is also available, and these links will take you to the Hubble telescope page, a history of flight timeline, and a glossary of Aeronautic terms. You can also access historical information about the Orion exploration.

Visit Site: http://www.spaceday.com/

Space Weather

Space Weather offers an intriguing look at current space conditions. For instance, you can find out about current speeds of solar winds and solar flares. Current information on the sun’s development, including new sunspots growing from within its surface, is available. News about past and upcoming space events is available. These events include recent solar eclipses, but it also covers upcoming comets, some of which are as big as the moon. You are encouraged to participate in space weather reporting by submitting your own photos. Finally, a variety of podcast episodes are available for download.

Visit Site: http://www.spaceweather.com/

Star Child

Star Child is a student-friendly site designed to teach young learners the topic of space. The website's style is that of a game, where you can tackle “Level 1” subjects such as the solar system, the universe, and other “space stuff.” Level 2 topics include more in-depth information on the same subjects. Educator resources are available in “The Teacher’s Center.” Students can also pose questions to Star Child. These answers, along with illustrations, are posted in the site’s question-of-the-month section.

Visit Site: http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/StarChild.html

The Moon

The Moon covers all the trivia you might need regarding Earth’s only satellite. From size, mass, gravity, and temperature to craters, the lunar atmosphere, and its orbit, all the basic information for young learners is available. Additional information covers the moon’s internal geographic makeup, and for educators, printable worksheets and lists of suggested learning activities are available. Other science-related information is available as are links to other astronomical bodies and events. These links are to subjects such as our solar system, comets, asteroids, and various stars.

Visit Site: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/moon/

The Nine Planets Tour

The Nine Planets Tour covers briefly the scientific knowledge gathered about planets and other bodies within our solar system. Historical events and the evolution of various bodies are discussed as are the mythical stories associated with various bodies and events. A directory to other pertinent sites exists, and these links lead to observatories and various products such as telescopes for kids. Charts on what is visible with the unaided eye make sky watching easier, and the information is provided regarding when telescopes or binoculars are needed.

Visit Site: http://nineplanets.org/

The Sun

The Sun is a general fact sheet on the sun. It details sun-related facts, which include the surface temperature as compared to the core’s temperature. The site is designed for learners, and the main page offers a quiz for you to keep in mind as you explore the site. Links lead to a virtual sun model as well as to the main observatory at the University of Arizona. Rounding out the site is a link to NASA’s observatorium.

Visit Site: http://cse.ssl.berkeley.edu/segwayed/lessons/startemp/l1.htm

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality provides you the ability to track any of the moon’s phases for any day, month, or year. Not only can you track current phase activity, you can also call up historical phase information going back to the 19th century. Further phase information is provided according to time zone, and information on each day's phase updates every four hours. In addition to the most comprehensive lunar phase information available anywhere on the internet, 181 lunar images depicting the phases can be downloaded for offline viewing.

Visit Site: http://tycho.usno.navy.mil/vphase.html

Virtual Tour of the Sun

Virtual Tour of the Sun provides a tour of the sun that starts from the inside and proceeds outward. Beginning at the smallest scales, the tour offers explanations regarding how neutrons and protons form helium to make light. The tour continues upward toward the sun’s outer surface, and topics covered along the way include the core, sun spots, the Corona, solar winds, and the sun’s influence on Earth. The graphics present rather complex information in a simple way that facilitates learning. For example, charts on Skylab’s measurements regarding the sun’s total energy output are detailed yet accessible.

Visit Site: http://www.michielb.nl/sun/kaft.htm

Windows to the Universe

Windows to the Universe offers a comprehensive look at nearly all components of outer space. From local bodies and phenomenon to constellations, galaxies, and the cosmos at large, Windows to the Universe offers it all. To cap it off, educational podcasts and art are available. In addition to the detail in which space is covered, additional attention is given certain terrestrial events such as icebergs and the ocean. Eager for all this information to be disseminated, the website offers third-party webmasters the ability to embed RSS news fees on their sites, enabling, by degree, a wider audience to access newsworthy space topics.

Visit Site: http://www.windows2universe.org/

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