Overview: Stephan's Quintet

Description:

Tales of … Galactic wreckage in Stephan's Quintet describes the interactions of the galaxies in this compact group. Characteristics of colliding galaxies are also included.

Format(s) available: Printer-friendly web page

Grades: 10-12, but the material can be adapted for use in other grades at the teacher's discretion.

Teachers can use Tales of … Galactic wreckage in Stephan's Quintet as:

• A content reading selection. Teachers should discuss the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary prior to having students read this selection.

• An engagement activity. Have students read the selection. Ask them to describe the characteristics of colliding galaxies.

• An inquiry tool. Propose a question, such as "What characteristics of galaxies signals to astronomers that the galaxies are interacting?” Have students read the selection and write down as many questions as they can about the information in the text.

• A source of information. Students can describe the characteristics of colliding galaxies and then research whether they are common to other collisions using Hubble press releases.

Related materials

Press release: "Hubble Opens New Eyes on the Universe"
http://hubblesite.org/newscenter/archive/releases/2009/25/

Hubble press releases of interacting galaxies.
http://hubblesite.org/newscenter/archive/releases/galaxy/interacting/

Overview: Stephan's Quintet