While Earth is an amazing and unique planet, each of the other planets in our Solar System having incredible and fascinating features, too. During this on-going session, learners will explore each of these alien worlds starting with the closest planet to the Sun (Mercury) and working out to the outer gas giants (Uranus and Neptune). We will also learn about Earth’s Moon and our life-sustaining Sun.

Learners will be provided with an optional note-taking handout to record their amazing astronomy findings. Drop in and stay a while as we explore our incredible Solar System!

A course outline will be as follows:

Topic 1: Mercury
Even though Mercury is a barren, cratered world it holds amazing features. From its intense radiation to its high temperatures, we will study about Mercury, the planet of extremes.

Topic 2: Venus
In this class, we will study the third brightest object in the night sky, Venus which has been observed since ancient times. Often, it is called “Earth’s Twin” but it is actually extremely different from Earth in some very significant ways.

Topic 3: Earth 
In our solar system with such diverse planets, there is only one planet that is suited for life. From its protective magnetic field to its unique atmospheric makeup, Earth has just the right balance to sustain life.

Topic 4: Our Moon (Nearpod)
While the Moon is beautiful to observe, it also enhances various cycles of life here on Earth. Even in the simple process of lighting the night sky, the Moon provides a regular cycle to the lives of nocturnal animals. In its formation of ocean tides, the Moon has far reaching effects for sustaining sea life, influencing coastal conditions, and even affecting atmospheric conditions. In this class, we will use Nearpod to look at how the Moon serves an important role for supporting the balance of life on Earth as well as study its phases and look at some of its geographical features.

Topic 5:  Mars (Nearpod)
With its red hue, Mars has fascinated night-sky viewers for millennia. In the last two decades, Mars has become the first planet mankind has been able to explore on its surface. Through the use of rovers, we have been able to explore the rugged terrain of Mars, witness massive dust storms, and have gained a greater depth of understanding about this Red Planet. While Earth and Mars have many similarities, there are also very distinct differences that have shown Mars is an inhospitable planet. In this class, we will use Nearpod to study about the Red Planet, Mars.

Topic 6 : Jupiter
In this class we will study about the mighty gas giant, Jupiter, that is often called the King of the Planets. With its many moons, it resembles a sort of mini-solar system. From its size, to its mysterious giant spot, Jupiter has fascinated and amazed astronomers for centuries.

Topic 7: Saturn
In this class, we will look at the second largest planet in the solar system, Saturn. With its many moons and beautiful ring system, Saturn is a majestic planet to behold.

Topic 8:  Uranus and Neptune
In this class, we will study about Uranus and Neptune. They are the outermost planets and have continually fascinated people. From their striking color to their many incredible moons, these Gas Giants will continue to amaze.

Topic 9: Pluto, Comets, and Asteroids
Even though Pluto is at incredible 3.7 billion miles from the sun and thus a relatively barren world, it still holds many amazing beautiful wonders. Down to the smallest detail or seemingly unimportant object, we see great detail in each and every aspect of our universe. In this class, we will study about Pluto, comets, and asteroids.

Topic 10: Our Sun and Stars
In a sense, our Sun is the anchor for our Solar System. While much is known about our nearest star, scientists are still unraveling more incredible discoveries about our crucial, life sustaining Sun. It has also given us insight to learn more about other stars we see throughout the Universe. In this class, we will study our consistent, yet active Sun, as well as other stars and their properties.