What can you find out about extrasolar planets in our galaxy?
You are already familiar with the planets that orbit the sun. But astronomers also have discovered planets that orbit other stars. Planets outside our solar system are called extrasolar planets. Use the Internet to search for information on currently known extrasolar planets. Identify the planets that orbit the three closest stars to the sun, and post a summary of each solar system on your class blog. Use the blog to facilitate an online discussion with your classmates about extrasolar planets and how they are discovered.
How do science concepts apply to your world? Here are some questions you'll be able to answer after you read this chapter.
How can the sun disrupt radio and TV signals on Earth? (Section 26.1)
How do we know what stars are made of? (Section 26.2)
What has such strong gravity that not even light can escape from it? (Section 26.3)
Where were the atoms that make up your body formed? (Section 26.3)
What is at the center of our galaxy? (Section 26.4)
What is the large-scale structure of the universe? (page 850)
Is the universe expanding? (Section 26.5)
This cloud of dust and gas is located in the constellation Sagittarius.
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