® EI-5237 Ages 8+ Grades 3+ dwarf planet included
® 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.
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.
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.
Planetary Features Chart Position relative to sun Average distance from sun Diameter at equator “Year”: Period of time to orbit sun Average orbital speed “Day”: Time it takes to rotate on axis Atmosphere Moons* Temperature Mercury 1st 35,980,000 mi (57,900,000 km) 3,031 mi (4,879 km) 88 Earth days 30 mi/sec (48 km/sec) 59 Earth days almost non-existent; trace amounts of hydrogen and helium 0 -279 to 801 ºF (-173 to 427 ºC) Venus 2nd 67,210,000 mi (108,200,000 km) 7,521 mi (12,104 km)
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.
Northern Hemisphere Constellations Andromeda (Andromeda) Aquila (Eagle) Aries (Ram) Auriga (Charioteer) Boötes (Herdsman) Camelopardus (Giraffe) Cancer (Crab) Canes Venatici (Hunting Dogs) Canis Minor (Little Dog) Cassiopeia (Cassiopeia) Cepheus (Cepheus) Cetus (Whale) Coma Berenices (Berenice’s Hair) Corona Borealis (Northern Crown) Cygnus (Swan) Delphinus (Dolphin) Draco (Dragon) Equuleus (Little Horse) Gemini (Twins) Hercules (Hercules) Hydra (Water Monster) Lacerta (Lizard) Leo (Lion) Leo Minor (Little
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.
