Summary of the content on the page No. 1
dwarf planet
included
® EI-5237
Ages 8+
Grades 3+
Summary of the content on the page No. 2
® The Motorized Solar System and Planetarium takes the abstract concept of the solar system and brings it to life with light and motion. The activities make for a powerful, hands-on learning experience. To teach students about stars and constellations, use the star dome to transform any classroom into a planetarium. Includes: • central tower • sun sphere (with symbol) • eight planet orbs plus one dwarf planet orb • Northern Hemisphere * see table on page 4 with identifying planetary symbols* sta
Summary of the content on the page No. 3
Where Are the Planets Now? Because the planets are constantly moving as they orbit the sun, their locations change from day to day. The motions of the planets follow very regular patterns. Scientists can calculate where each planet will be at any given time. One way to describe the positions of the planets is in terms of their heliocentric longitude. This is a coordinate system with the sun as its center: the Greek root helio means “sun.” Scientists use the sun’s equator as a reference point to
Summary of the content on the page No. 4
Classroom Activities Where Will the Planets Be When…? After students have arranged the planets in their current positions, use the Heliocentric Longitude Chart to see where the planets will be on other dates. Try the end of the school year, different winter holidays, or perhaps a student’s birthday. Creating a Living Solar System Model Younger students will enjoy “acting out” the movement of the solar system. This activity works best outdoors, in a paved area with plenty of space. 1. Spend time
Summary of the content on the page No. 5
Planetary Features Chart Position Average “Year”: Period Average “Day”: Time it Diameter Planet Symbol relative distance of time to orbital takes to Atmosphere Moons* Temperature at equator to sun from sun orbit sun speed rotate on axis almost non-existent; 35,980,000 mi 3,031 mi 30 mi/sec -279 to 801 ºF Mercury 1st 88 Earth days 59 Earth days trace amounts of 0 (57,900,000 km) (4,879 km) (48 km/sec) (-173 to 427 ºC) hydrogen and helium mostly carbon dioxide; 67,210,000 mi 7,521 mi 22 mi/sec 900
Summary of the content on the page No. 6
Which planets have the most moons? Are they large or small planets? The larger planets have a stronger gravitational pull, so they often have many satellites, or moons. These larger planets can “capture” or pull moons into their gravitational fields more easily because objects (such as moons) move more slowly in space. Which planet has a “day” that is longer than its “year”? Venus rotates very slowly on its axis: one day is as long as 243 days on Earth! Yet Venus completes an orbit around the su
Summary of the content on the page No. 7
Northern Hemisphere Constellations Andromeda (Andromeda) Hydra (Water Monster) Aquila (Eagle) Lacerta (Lizard) Aries (Ram) Leo (Lion) Auriga (Charioteer) Leo Minor (Little Lion) Boötes (Herdsman) Lynx (Lynx) Camelopardus (Giraffe) Lyra (Lyre) Cancer (Crab) Ophiuchus (Serpent Holder) Canes Venatici (Hunting Dogs) Orion (Orion/hunter) Canis Minor (Little Dog) Pegasus (Pegasus) Cassiopeia (Cassiopeia) Perseus (Perseus) Cepheus (Cepheus) Pisces (Fishes) Cetus (Whale) Polaris (North Star)* Coma Beren
Summary of the content on the page No. 8
Adapter Use Always follow these steps when using the Motorized Solar System and Planetarium with an adapter. 1. Turn the on/off switch to the OFF position. 2. Plug the AC adapter jack into the AC adapter port at the base of the tower. 3. Carefully plug the AC adapter into a wall socket. 4. Turn the on/off switch to ON. 5. Adapters used with this are to be regularly examined for damage to the cord, plug enclosure and other parts, and that, in the event of such damage, this item must not be used w
