In a spectacular, comprehensive presentation, The Planets draws on consultations with over a thousand leading astronomers, engineers, scientists and astronauts. Featuring rare NASA archival footage, awe-inspiring imagery from the Hubble space telescope, stunning computer graphics and special effects, this unprecedented series explores both the alien beauty of our local space environment and the extraordinary technology that enables us to unlock its secrets.

The Planets would be useful for classes on Science and Technology, Astronomy, and World History. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Different Worlds

Different Worlds travels back in time and space to witness the awesome forces that gave birth to the sun and the far-flung family of planets that orbit it. From the rocky, superheated surface of Mercury, to the storm-wracked atmosphere of Jupiter and the distant mysteries of Pluto, this is a richly detailed introduction to the creation, composition and alien landscapes of the planets.

OBJECTIVES

Students will explore the theories of the creation of the universe and examine the properties of celestial bodies. They will analyze the relationship between the sun, Earth and the other planets. They will discover the infinite potential of astronomy, and the most current information about space travel and exploration.

NATIONAL SCIENCE EDUCATION STANDARDS

The Planets fulfills the following National Science Education Standards: unifying concepts and processes in science; science as inquiry; physical science; Earth and space science; Science and technology; history and nature of science.

• accretion
• astronomy
• astrophysics
• beckon
• debris
• hallmark
• nonchalant
• satellite
• subsequently

1. Which planet is the closest to the sun?

2. Which planet is known as "Earth's twin?" Why?

3. Before 1929, the year Clyde William Tombaugh discovered Pluto, astronomers knew of only eight planets. What made them think there was a ninth planet?

4. Discuss how the nine planets are "nine different worlds." What makes them different and unique from one another?

5. Why do planets revolve around the sun? Why and how do they maintain a consistent path?

6. What are nebulae?

7. What is a theory? How is a theory different from an established fact?

8. Between the years 1945 and 1989, the United States and Russia were embroiled in the Cold War. What is a "cold war?" How is a "cold war" different than a "hot war?" How did both the United States and the Soviet Union use the space race as a weapon in the Cold War?

9. How did the United States react to the Soviet satellite Sputnik?

10. What is time-lapse photography? How have astronomers used this method to help explore the planets?

1. Using the medium of your choice, create a three-dimensional model of the solar system.

2. Research the American reaction to the Soviet satellite Sputnik. Then, write or illustrate the ideology of the Cold War in either an essay or a class presentation.

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Air Dates

• June 09, 2004