Astronomy
How the Moon, planets and stars work, and how to find them in the night sky.
4 articles
Astronomy · Ages 10–15The planets of the Solar System – key facts in one tableDistance, size, day length, year length and moons for all eight planets in one table, with notes on each planet and why Pluto is now a dwarf planet.
Astronomy · KS3 and GCSEThe life cycle of a star, from nebula to white dwarf or black holeHow stars form from clouds of gas and dust, why they shine, and why Sun-like and massive stars end so differently, with a flow chart for KS3 and GCSE revision.
Astronomy · Ages 10–15Stargazing for beginners and how to find the main constellationsA beginner's guide to the night sky: find the Plough, Polaris, Cassiopeia and Orion, measure angles with your hand, and tell stars from planets and satellites.
Astronomy · Ages 10–14The phases of the Moon and why they happenWhy the Moon seems to change shape over a month, the names of all eight phases, how to tell waxing from waning, and when each phase rises, with a diary task.