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.

Atmosphere

The local forecast for this program: torrential sulfuric acid rain and metallic snow on Venus, global dust storms raging across Mars, and centuries-long, Earth-sized cyclones circling Jupiter. These extraterrestrial weather reports seem like they are taken right out of a science fiction film. Atmosphere is an eye-opening exploration of otherworldly weather that reveals the surprising variety and force of atmospheric activity throughout the solar system.

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 unlimited potential of the science of astronomy, and the most current space 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.

• abort
• captivate
• corrosive
• diffuse
• enigma
• exotic
• hue
• inferno
• noxious
• profound
• rudimentary
• unwittingly

1. How does the Earth's atmosphere make human life possible?

2. How did scientists discover that planets have atmospheres?

3. How did the USSR prepare their probes to survive the atmosphere of Venus?

4. Discuss some of the mysteries of Venus' atmosphere.

5. Why did the first Mars probe fail?

6. Why is Mars called the "red planet?"

7. What is the greenhouse effect? Compare the difference between the greenhouse effects on Earth and Venus.

8. Discuss how each planet has its own unique weather system.

9. Discuss the weather systems on the planet Jupiter.

10. What is a hypothesis? How do scientists use hypotheses in space exploration?

1. Create a chart or mobile that compares the atmospheres of the planets.

2. Design a probe to visit the planet of your choice. Use your knowledge of your planet's atmosphere to design the probe.

Related Videos

Air Dates

• June 16, 2004