March
2007
Asteroid in a spin0
Links to free activities, resources and lesson plans
Teaching resources (UK US) designed specifically for this story at www.realscience.org.uk
“For the very first time, astronomers have witnessed the speeding up of an asteroid’s rotation, and have shown that it is due to a theoretical effect predicted but never seen before.” News release, photos and movies from European Space Observatory.
Online video, teachers’ notes and pupil interactives on near-Earth asteroids.
Earth impact effects program: Provides an easy way to calculate the environmental effects of an asteroid strike on Earth. “Plug in a few size and impact parameters, and find the total damage inflicted with the click of a button.” From University of Arizona.
Interactive lessons and virtual labs on asteroid formation, the physics of asteroid trajectories, etc. “Teachers can also download fun problem-solving activities for use in the classroom.”
Newton’s 3rd Law illustrated through astronauts working working in space. “This video segment, adapted from NOVA, illustrates the significance of Newton’s law to space-walking astronauts and the engineers who design their spacecrafts.”
“Explore the planets, comets and asteroids on an interactive virtual fly-through. Zoom in close on a particular planet or choose a different orbit view to see the whole system from afar. The data sheets let you discover more about some of the elements that make up our Solar System.”
“The University of Pisa offers a comprehensive monthly catalog of known asteroids and other large orbital objects, as well as links to several major observatories.” Enter 2000 PH5 in the search engine to find more facts about the little asteroid than you thought possible.
NASA’s Near Earth Object Program detects, tracks and analyzes large asteroids and comets that might be on a collision course with Earth. Find recent close approaches, view asteroid orbit diagrams, see impact risk assessments. Includes multimedia introduction.
The Asteroid Club encourages amateurs to learn to identify and observe asteroids. “While the deep sky objects observable by amateurs remain the same, year after year, the asteroids are constantly moving against the background of the constellations. By learning to identify asteroids you will greatly enhance your observing skills.”
Background on the YORP effect.
“In 1873, while investigating infrared radiation and the element thallium, the eminent Victorian experimenter Sir William Crookes developed a special kind of radiometer, an instrument for measuring radiant energy of heat and light.”
