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IYA > Celestial Object of the Month

In October, observe
Andromeda!

Visible in dark skies with the unaided eye or binoculars, Andromeda is the closest large galaxy to our own. Scientists use telescopes in space and on the ground to study the stars, gas, and dust in this enormous spiral galaxy, predicted to collide with our Milky Way Galaxy billions of years from now.

Online exploration:

Galaxies Galore, Games & More
“Online explorations” are fun, interactive activities for exploring various space science topics. “Galaxies Galore, Games & More” explores the shapes of galaxies and how to classify them.

Classroom activities:

Galaxy Trading Cards (PDF)
Classroom Activities are aligned with national education standards and include student activity sheets, science background information, and vocabulary. This PDF deck of eight cards features different galaxies and the constellations in which the galaxies are found.
Find the Right Circle
This classroom activity features the Galaxy Trading Cards. Use the Galaxy Trading Cards to observe and record the properties of galaxies.
Group the Galaxies
This classroom activity features the Galaxy Trading Cards. Use the Galaxy Trading Cards to sort galaxies into groups based on similar characteristics.

Graphic Organizers:

Comparison of spiral, elliptical, and irregular galaxies
This T-chart shows the similarities and differences between the three main types of galaxies: spiral, elliptical, and irregular.

Myths vs. realities:

Galaxies
“Myths vs. realities” is a collection of common misconceptions about celestial objects and phenomena. The misconception is stated in the “myth” while the “reality” explains the true situation. “Myths vs. realities: Galaxies” addresses common misconceptions about galaxies.

Q&A:

Galaxies
“Q&As” is a collection of questions that might be asked about various celestial objects and phenomena. “Q & A: Galaxies” provides answers to questions typically asked about galaxies.
Visions of the Universe promo image.

Galaxy poster:

Galaxies Revealed
 

Celebrate!

2009 is the International Year of Astronomy!