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.

Star

To primitive peoples, the Sun was synonymous with God—the ultimate source of life-giving warmth and light. Star steps aboard the Skylab space station to probe the turbulent heart of our local power source. Join Star in its plunge to the center of the Sun to witness the driving force of its primordial atomic pulse. Observe the spectacle of massive solar flares capable of engulfing entire planets—including our own.

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 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.

• aurora
• cacophony
• decry
• distort
• eminent
• intense
• manifest
• profound
• propagate
• vindicate

1. In 1973, NASA launched the world's first space station, Skylab. What was Skylab's mission?

2. What did the astronauts aboard Skylab witness that no other humans had before?

3. Discuss how various cultures around the world have worshipped the Sun as a god. Why do you think so many cultures did this?

4. What is an eclipse? Why does it happen?

5. How has spectroscopy unraveled some of the mysteries of the Sun?

6. What are sunspots? What causes these them?

7. Discuss some of the problems Skylab encountered on its mission.

8. Discuss the function of the Sun's magnetic field.

9. What are the northern lights? What causes this phenomenon?

10. How does the Sun reach out to the Earth. How have scientists proved some of these theories?

1. Research some of the ancient religions and cultures that worshipped the Sun. Using your findings, create a chart illustrating these cultures and their form of Sun worship.

2. Create a mobile that illustrates the properties of our Sun.

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Air Dates

• June 15, 2004