Astronomers
will
study the movements and locations of bodies in space. You
will examine both inner planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth,
and Mars) and outer planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus,
Neptune, and Pluto) and some moons. You'll need to know
about things like the gravity and density of each planet.
You'll also need to know about each planet's rotation,
solar day and planetary year.
Check these
sites out to answer your questions:
Wow,
what a lot of information here. Cool!
Welcome
to the nine planets, NASA style.
Here
is a splendid view of our solar system.
This
express tour may be helpful. Check it out!
Are
you interested in gravity?
Are
you interested in the length of a year on another
planet?
Questions
you'll need to answer are:
1. Whhich
planets or moons have enough density to support a the
weight of a colony?
Can an
adaptation be made to make this possible? How?
2. Which
planets or moons have enough gravity to hold a colony
down? How does the gravity compare to the gravity of
earth? What could we do to create gravity if there was
not enough?
3. How long
would a day be on any of the planets or moons? Would the
sun rise in the east or in the west? How would we adapt
to a longer or shorter day?
4. How long
would a year be on any of the planets or moons? Would
there be any affect on the people of the colony or the
plants grown as a result of the length of the
year?
Write and
answer at least four (one good question and answer from
each group member) of your own questions from the
perspective of an astronomer.
