Astronomy in the deep freeze

Activities

Newton's Apple (USA)

Infrared light – students compare the radiation produced by the remote control of a television with that from a torch.

Space Infrared Telescope Facility (California Institute of Technology, USA)

An example of the Herschel infrared experiment – uses thermometers and the spectrum of sunlight to demonstrate infrared radiation.

Exploratorium (USA)

Hot spot – students focus infrared radiation from a heater using a concave mirror.

Live from the Stratosphere (NASA Quest, USA)

Beyond the visible: the electromagnetic spectrum – students identify different kinds of electromagnetic radiation and analyse which ones reach the Earth's surface.

Beyond the visible: exploring the spectrum – students observe and analyse types of spectra using a diffraction grating.

Beyond the visible: absorption and reflection – students investigate how different colours absorb or reflect light, and extend these observations to infrared radiation.

Seeing stars: twinkle, twinkle, little star – students observe the quality of the night sky and determine the number of stars that can be seen from their local area.

Seeing stars: sky glow – experiments to determine the visual qualities of the night sky and to predict the best local observing conditions for astronomy.

Windows to the Universe (University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, USA)

Each of the following units consists of an introduction to the topic and a series of related activities. (The activities are accessed by clicking on 'Next page' at the end of each introduction.)

The atmospheric filter
The electromagnetic spectrum
Collecting electromagnetic radiation

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (USA)

SkyView: non-astronomer page – SkyView is a virtual observatory on the internet, generating images of any part of the sky at wavelengths from radio waves to gamma rays. First time users can click on 'Orientation page' for an explanation of how to use the site.

International Astronomical Union and UNESCO

International Year of Astronomy, 2009 – provides a range of resources relating to astronomy and the IYA 2009.

International Year of Astronomy, 2009 Australia National Node – links to Australian resources and events for the IYA 2009.

External sites are not endorsed by the Australian Academy of Science.
Posted August 2001.