DISCOVERING ASTRONOMY PATCH PROGRAM
Purchase this patch if you have explored space in school, went to a planetarium or space museum
All levels need to only complete 3 requirements

Discovering- To learn more about a subject or group that interests you. To find out information that was not previously known.

1. Astronomy is the study of matter in outer space. Astronomers learn about the universe using specialized equipment. Choose one type of equipment to learn more about. Examples include: radio and optical telescopes, a space station, long-distance probes, satellites, and retrievable spacecrafts (Shuttles).

2. The moon orbits the earth. As it orbits the earth it projects different phases or shapes in the sky. How many days does it take to orbit the earth? What makes the moon spin? What is the date that the first person that landed on the moon and who was it? For extra credit, learn more about the moon’s temperature, structure, and the eight phases of the moon in the night sky.

3. Discover more about the solar system. Name the nine prominent planets of the solar system. Choose one planet to learn more about, such as the color, size, number of moons, and distance from the sun. For extra credit make a picture of the solar system. The solar system is the sun and everything that revolves around it.

4. Comets are a combination of ice, dust and gases that orbit the sun in great oval orbits. They add a tail as they approach the sun. Choose one of the following items to learn more about: asteroids, shooting stars, meteors. Meteorites, space stones, or comets. For extra credit create a picture or art project depicting one of these items.

5. Stars are grouped together in huge collections called galaxies. There are millions of stars in each galaxy. What is the closest star to the earth and how do we measure the distance? What color of star is the hottest and which is the coolest? What is the brightest star and which star is the closest to Earth? What galaxy do we live in and how did it get its name? What is the closest star to the earth and how do we measure the distance?

6. The study of the stars, galaxy and universe started in 3100 BC. Choose a landmark in the timeline of astronomy to learn more about. Note the date and the discovery. Examples are first telescope or space probe.

7. Select a famous astronomer or astronaut to learn more about. Where were they born and what did they accomplish? Examples: Isaac Newton, Ptolemy, Albert Einstein, and Neil Armstrong.

8.Would you like to be an astronomer in your own home or backyard? There are several items that can assist you in getting familiar with the universe. Choose one piece of equipment to learn more about or use. Examples are: star maps, binoculars, planisphere, telescope or camera.

9. Star patterns are called constellations. How many constellations are they? Choose two constellations; learn their name, where it is located and its pattern in the sky. For extra credit draw the pattern on a piece of black paper. How many constellations are they? There are 88 constellations. Many are named after characters or objects taken from ancient Greek Myths. Within the constellations are smaller groups of stars called asterisms.

10. Choose two space related words to learn more about. Examples include gravity, orbit, core, crater, solar, eclipse, aurora, observatory, NASA, or black hole.