Transit of Venus, Sun-Earth Day 2012

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Goddard Space Flight Center

Transit of Venus, Sun-Earth Day 2012

Broadcasts

These broadcasts are available for order from NASA CORE. To Order, just go to the NASA CORE Catalog and enter the Item Number(s) in the Search Field. Then follow the instructions on how to order from their web site.

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Eclipse in a Different Light

In Path of Totality: Measuring Angular Size and Distance, students learn about the natural phenomena that create a total eclipse. Students also explore the history, mythology, science, and math that relate to these amazing events. NASA scientists and engineers introduce a satellite where scientists make artificial eclipses in order to learn more about the Sun's corona. Using hands-on lessons, web-based activities and simple tools, students will measure the angular size and predict the angular distance of objects in the sky.

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Ancient Observatories: Timeless Knowledge

In Ancient Observatories: Timeless Knowledge, students will learn how cultures from ancient times to the present have used the Sun and other objects in the sky to mark the passage of time. They will see how archaeoastronomers use ancient observatories to predict seasons and special events. Using simple tools of geometry and the angle bisector method, students will measure the movement of the Sun and find solar noon for their location. By conducting inquiry-based and web activities, students will make connections between NASA research and the mathematics, science, and technology they learn in their classrooms.

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Venus Transit

In the Venus Transit, students will learn about the importance of using scale models to represent the size and distance of objects in the solar system and beyond. They will be introduced to the astronomical unit (AU), the baseline distance from the Earth to the Sun, which astronomers use to determine the relative distances from the Earth to other planets, stars, asteroids, and objects in space. They will also discover fascinating facts about the Venus Transit, a celestial and historical event, which helped astronomers determine the scale of the solar system. By conducting inquiry-based and web activities, students will make connections between NASA research and the mathematics, science, and technology they learn in their classrooms.

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Dancing in the Night Sky

In Dancing in the Night Sky, students will learn about the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. They will learn the many legends and myths that have revolved around the aurora throughout the history of mankind. Students will also discover how NASA scientists and engineers use satellite technology to measure and analyze aurora data. They will see how Norwegian scientists apply the concepts of data analysis and measurement to study the Northern Lights by using ground-based instruments and sounding rockets. By conducting hands-on and web activities, students will make connections between NASA research and the mathematics, science, and technology they learn in their classrooms.

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Having a Solar Blast

NASA engineers and researchers use data analysis and measurement to predict solar storms, anticipate how they will affect the Earth, and improve our understanding of the Sun-Earth system.
Mathematics: data analysis, measurement
Science: science as inquiry, unifying concepts and processes, physical science, Earth and space science, science and technology, science in personal and social perspectives
NASA Research: Solar Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), Imager for Magnetopause-to-Aurora Global Exploration (IMAGE)

NASA TV

Be sure to keep you eye on NASA TV for the latest updates and information on programs featuring Sun-Earth Connection science! You will also find a multitude of resources including the following:

NASA Fact

Depending on your rate and direction of motion, a pure magnetic field can be turned into an electric field and vice versa.