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.

Giants

They are the heavyweights of the planetary line-up. They are vast orbs of seething gas and brilliant cloud bands, containing virtually no landscapes. Giants takes measure of these planetary behemoths. From the pioneering days of Galileo's dogma-shattering discovery of the Jupiter moons, to NASA's billion-mile sojourns of Saturn and Neptune, the conclusion is timeless.

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, our own planet Earth and the other planets. They will discover the infinite potential of the science 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.

• Bizarre
• Coalesce
• Enigma
• Exhilarating
• Paradigm
• Phenomena
• Propulsion
• Retrograde
• Trajectory
• Vast

1. What are gas giants? Why are these planets called gas giants?

2. How did scientist Gary Flandro discover the way to explore the distant planets of Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune?

3. Discuss some of the problems scientists face in exploring the distant planets. How have they overcome some of these obstacles?

4. What is a gravitational slingshot? How did scientists use this concept to place the Voyager probe in the paths of the giant planets?

5. What causes Jupiter’s violent storms?

6. What is the difference between a moon and a planet?

7. Saturn is the most recognizable planet because of its rings. Discuss the theory of origins of this unique feature.

8. Why is Uranus tipped on its back? If the planet is a sphere, how do scientists know Uranus is on its back?

9. How is Uranus different from Jupiter or Saturn?

10. What surprising discovery did the voyager probe reveal about the planet Neptune?

1. Compile a list of images and objects you would place on a probe to another planet that would best represent the people and culture of the planet Earth.

2. Create a poster or chart comparing the planets Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

Related Videos

Air Dates

• June 11, 2004