Space science is a never-ending field of study that involves scientific theories, interesting facts, advanced technology, discipline, and knowledge about the space and universe. The field of study has reached the current level after dedicated research of hundreds of years by space scientists.
In total, 16 branches of space science subjects are categorized based on the field of information:
Astronomy Astrometry Astrophysics Solar Astronomy
Outline of Astronomy Amateur Astronomy Space Plasma Physics Planetary Science
Extragalatic Astronomy Theoretic Astronomy Astrodynamics Planetary Geology
Observational Astronomy Physical Cosmology Stellar Astronomy Galactic Astronomy
THE CONNECTION OF SPACE SCIENCE & YOUR CHILD’S IMAGINATION
The field of study turns children keen about every bit of knowledge in no time because mankind has not yet explored the universe completely. It is often found that children who study space science are more research-oriented than students who are not engaged with it in any way. This is simply because every theory of space science is directly or indirectly associated with multiple other theories from different branches.
Here are three space activities for kids that we recommend for connecting space science and astrophysics with the kids:
Stargazing
Observing the constellations is the most effective practice to get to know about the space. According to the facts represented by NASA, there are in total 88 constellations. And, 8-10 constellations are mostly visible from every part of the globe. Parents can engage their children in stargazing sessions that will surely help them to learn more about astronomy.
Sci-Fi & Astronomical Movies
Science Fiction movies explain the most essential theories of space science and technology in a very representable method. Each theory that is to be explained is plotted through a story that helps in better understanding and comprehension of the same. Some of the most famous space science movies are Apollo 13, Europa Report, Contact, Gravity, Passengers and Interstellar.
Sky Exploration from Home
Children can use binocular and telescopes to explore the sky and spot easily visible planets from their residence. The first set of binoculars and telescopes doesn’t have to be an expensive one. Even cheaper models work well for first-time users. Some of the interesting things that children can easily spot are planets, galaxies, star clusters, binary stars, and also the moon!
Kids tend to learn more and be more creative, when fun and educational activities are involved.
6 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SPACE & PLANETS
Let’s guess that the guardian has recognized their children’s inclination towards space science and astrophysics. We suggest you start to amaze them with the below-mentioned facts about space and planets. This will create a spark for them to know more. Encourage them to research more about the unusual space facts on the internet and the next day the children may approach you to learn more about the subject.
An Italian astronomer, Guiseppe Piazzi discovered the first and the biggest asteroid in 1801. It was named Ceres and covers 33% mass of the entire asteroid belt.
The biggest celestial body in our solar system, the sun, is 3,00,000 times larger and approximately 14.9 billion kilometers away from the Earth.
It is believed that science has discovered only about 4% of the visible universe. Approximately 96% of the universe has still not been discovered.
Rheasilvia (central peak) on asteroid Vesta is the tallest known mountain in our solar system, has a height of 22.5kms, almost 200kms wide. It is considered to be three times taller than Mount Everest.
A piece of strong evidence by NASA was recently revealed that there is intermittent running water on the planet Mars.
Distance on space is not easy to cover. It is believed that a commercial airplane trip over pluto would consume more than 800 years in time!
6 SPACE MISSIONS YOUR KIDS WILL ASK MORE ABOUT
Reading more information about space missions greatly influence the kids to think intellectually and be more creative.
Voyager interstellar probe in front of a Nebula, deep into the space.
We have witnessed some appreciable and near-to-impossible developments in space science and technology. Some important space missions stated below in this segment are marked historic in the studies of space exploration. This segment of the article focuses on six space missions that are considered remarkable in the field of science and technology.
1. Apollo 11
On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first human to walk on the moon four days after the launch from Cape Kennedy. The lunar module was piloted by Buzz Aldrin. The two returned to the Earth on July 24.
2. Venera 7
Venera 7 is considered the first mission to land on another planet (Venus) in the history of space travel. Facts say that the aircraft of the mission didn’t last longer than an hour on the planet. But, it sent enough information to the scientists on the Earth.
3. Voyager Program
With the motive to explore the two planets – Jupiter and Saturn, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 Interstellar probes were launched in the year 1977. Lasted way longer than expected, both the spacecrafts are still transmitting valuable information to earth, making it the longest and the farthest space mission in history.
4. Hubble Space Telescope
The Hubble Space Telescope was launched on April 24, 1990, has supported science to illuminate a secure place in the universe. It has captured the most impeccable images of the universe’s galaxies.
5. Mars Pathfinder
The first rover on Mars was departed from the planet Earth on December 4, 1996. The 23-pound rover reached Mars on July 4, 1997, and analyzed the characteristics of the red planet.
6. International Space Station
Russia and the United States helped the first space station to depart the planet during the year 1998. The two pieces from the mentioned regions were further assembled in the space on November 2, 2000.
