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Aims
Pupils should know the position of the Sun in the Galaxy, the structure of the Solar System and the way in which gravity determines the movements of the planets, moons and comets. (Nat Curr KS4 - Physical Processes 4 - The Earth and Beyond).
Introduction
This project is aimed at pupils working in KS4. Much is known about all the planets in the Solar System (with the exception of Pluto) as spacecraft have either landed on or closely observed each one. Details of the planets' orbits have been known for many years; Newton's Law of Gravitation predicts the forces acting on each and consequently, the relation between the radius and period of each orbit. All the planets spin on their axes, but there seems to be no reason for the differing rotational speeds.
The project aims to provide pupils with the knowledge required by the National Curriculum. They should access information on the Internet and use the Bradford Robotic Telescope to observe one or more planets.
Lesson
Although the planets look just like bright stars to the naked eye, the ancient Greek astronomers realised they were different because of their relatively rapid motion in the sky. The known planets go round the Sun in nearly circular orbits; they are held in these orbits by the strong gravitational pull of the Sun.
If a planet is visible in the night sky, it is possible to obtain an image of it and possibly the larger moons, using the Robotic Telescope. The NASA database, accessible on the Internet, has a lot of information on each planet, the Solar System and exploration of the Solar System.
Time
This project should take 4 to 5 hours of lesson time.
