Astronomer

Click for salary, education, & more: Astronomer (astrónomo)

The universe is SO big, it is truly difficult to comprehend its enormity! Thankfully astronomers can use models to help visualize the size and scale of the universe. Give it a try!

STEP 1: Below is a list of space objects in order of size:

• Earth
• Sun
• Solar System
• Solar Neighborhood
• Galaxy
• Local Group (of galaxies)
• Local Supercluster
• Universe

STEP 2: Use online resources and this simulation (scroll out to see different size and scale objects) to understand the size of these eight objects compared with each other.

STEP 3: Around your house or classroom, get eight different objects to represent the size of these eight things. (Hint: Earth would be very small, like a grain of salt! Go from there 🙂

STEP 4: Take a video of you explaining which 8 objects you chose to represent the 8 items from the list above! Share it in the Student Showcase to build your resume as an astronomer.

BONUS ACTIVITY:

While professional astronomers use lots of sophisticated equipment to observe the night sky, the good news is that no fancy equipment is needed to be a beginner astronomer. In today’s activity, you will be an astronomer with nothing more than your phone!

STEP 1: Download the SkyView Lite app (free for Android or Apple)

STEP 2: When it gets dark, go outside.

STEP 3: Using the SkyView app, explore the night sky!