What’s Beyond Our Earth?

Look up! Way beyond our atmosphere are 11 Planets, nebula, comets, asteroids, galaxies, billions of stars and much much more. What we know, and even what we don't know, about the universe can't be contained in a Space Encyclopedia, which is why astronomers and everyday citizens, like you, keep searching the skies above. Between December 15 and January 5, keep your eyes on the sky above as part of the Winter Learning Challenge for kids.

Discover

• Be a citizen scientist! Collect and analyze information about planets, black holes and stars, then share it with the Adler Planetarium.
• How big is the solar system? Could it fit in your room? Use a ruler and household objects to scale the universe down to fit into a room in your house.
• Space is all around us – it's the "stuff" that surrounds all objects. See how space bends to fill in the gaps between matter with Space Jell-O!
• Even though you may not be able to see all of them, there are millions of stars in the universe. Why can't we see many stars in Chicago? Check out what's out tonight to see what star, planet and other objects you might see in the December sky.
• When astronauts travel to outer space, how do they adjust to life without gravity?
• Calculate what you would weigh on other planets. Look at some of the features of the planets, such as atmosphere and distance from the sun. What factors do you think affect gravity and weight?

Create

• Design a flag to represent your favorite planet. Think about some key features of the planet and use them to inspire the flag.
• Use these Sci Fi Story Starters to write your own science fiction tale.
• Build your own model of a real NASA Spacecraft.
• Create and view a constellation. You will need:
  • Toilet paper tube
  • 4”x4” piece of tinfoil
  • Pencil with a sharp point
  • Rubber band
    1. Place the tinfoil around one end of the toilet paper roll and secure with the rubber band
    2. Use your pencil to poke holes in the shape of a constellation. Use these patterns or create your own
    3. Point your stargazer toward a light source and view the constellation.