Countless stars, eight recognized planets, and many other smaller planetary bodies, including comets, asteroids, and dwarf planets make up what we know to be our solar system.
There is so much to learn and explore!
To spark a love of astronomy and planetary science, we’ve collected resources that span the solar system and touch on a variety of topics. From the makeup of our eight planets to what lies at the far reaches of our solar system, the universe is just waiting to be uncovered by a new generation of young scientists.
Exploring the Planets and Solar System
- Our Solar System: NASA offers basic information about our solar system.
- Planet and Satellite Names and Discoverers: The International Astronomical Union provides information on the backgrounds of astronomical bodies.
- Junior Ranger Super Solar System: This activity helps young learners to better understand the vastness of our solar system.
- All About the Planets: These planetary facts are supplemented by a mnemonic tool to help kids learn the names of the planets. Other activities are included, too.
- Our Solar System: k-5 students can read more about the solar system and participate in challenge activities that go along with the learned material.
- Terrestrial, Jovian Worlds, and More: Review our planets and learn the difference between terrestrial and Jovian worlds, as well as the makeup of our solar system.
- Popular Planetary FAQs: Explore and get the answers to popular questions related to the planets in our solar system.
- Earth, Our Solar System and Its Planets, Our Milky Way Galaxy and Our Place In It: A detailed presentation about many different aspects of our solar system, this has great information for a high school audience interested in expanding their knowledge of the solar system.
Stargazing and the Constellations
- The Constellations: What are the constellations and how have people made and applied them?
- Constellation FAQs: Learn more about constellations and how they come to be.
- Constellation and Star Groupings: There are 88 different recognized constellations and some have historical context. Others are connected to the Zodiac.
- Year-Round Constellation: Some constellations are available year-round.
- An Introduction to Constellations: Different constellations are visible at different points in the year.
- Learning Constellations Using a Star Chart: A Star chart can be a great tool when exploring constellations and the night sky.
- Identify Constellation: Learn how to get started identifying and observing different constellations. This page also includes tools and tips for stargazers.
- The Constellation Game: Learn about some of the most recognizable constellations and how to find them in the sky.
Virtual Experiences and Planetariums From Home
- Solar System Explorer: Interact with our solar system and learn more about its different planets and moons.
- Exoplanet Labs: Explore the wonders of space and learn scientific techniques that today’s scientists use to research exoplanets.
- Stellarium: This is an open-source planetarium. Explore a realistic sky and learn about our solar system.
- Tour the Digital Universe: Created by the American Museum of Natural History’s Hayden Planetarium, students can explore an accurate 3-D map of the universe.
- Access Mars with NASA’s Curiosity: Explore Mars and learn about this unique planet.
Astronomy Lessons for All Ages
- Solar System Model: Make a scale model of the solar system to better understand the distance between the planets and the difference in their size.
- Constellation Lesson: Learn what a constellation is and why they change in the sky, then develop your own constellation.
- Night Sky Observations: This activity will help learners identify constellations and how to use a star chart to navigate the night sky, among other things.
- Be a Constellation Hunter: The Bell Museum provides this constellation activity and supplemental videos to support young constellation hunters to put their eyes towards the sky.
Dark Sky Movement
- DarkSky International: DarkSky International is dedicated to restoring the nighttime environment and preventing the harmful effects of light pollution and the importance of quality sleep.
- Night Skies as a Natural Resource: This brief explanation of darkness as a natural resource is a good foundation for understanding the dark sky movement.
- Why Dark Matters: Learn about the importance of the night sky, why the dark sky movement is so important, and the science behind it.
Solar and Lunar Eclipses
- Seeing a Solar Eclipse From Space: What one might see as a solar eclipse from space looks different from how it looks here on Earth.
- Taking Solar Eclipse Observations: Many different variables go into observing a solar eclipse. Learn how to do so and then go out and put that knowledge to the test!
- How and Why Solar Eclipses Happen: Explore the why behind rare solar eclipses and how they occur.
- The First Time: This is a first-hand account of a solar eclipse experience from author Dr. Kate Russo.
- Recent and Upcoming Eclipses 2021-2030: This map highlights some of the recent and predicted eclipses and from where they may be observed.
- Solar Eclipse News and Live Stream: If a solar eclipse is not viewable to you locally, check out the live stream and resources found here.
- North America Eclipse Viewing: Find your city or state and figure out if you will be in the path of an eclipse in 2024.
- Keeping Your Eyes on the Skies Safely: Learn about proper eclipse safety and eye protection that will help you view an eclipse without hurting your eyes.
- Lunar Eclipse Diagram: Learn about the geometry and alignment of a lunar eclipse.
- Lunar Eclipse FAQ: Learn more about lunar eclipses and get answers to popular questions.
- Lunar Eclipses: What will happen during a lunar eclipse and what can you do to best observe it?
