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Classifying Space Objects
Key Words: Asteroid, Comet, Dwarf Planet, Meteor,
Getting Started:
1. Order the following space objects from smallest to largest: (the answer is at the end of this packet)
- Earth
- Sun
- the Solar System
- GPS satellite
- the Moon
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2. What features other than size could you use to order space objects?
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3. Read the introduction and Challenge to Activity 88, “Classifying Space Objects,” in your Student Book.
Procedure:
1. Cut out the Space Object Data Cards that are attached to this packet. Read each card carefully noting the similarities and differences among the objects.
Things to help you understand the data:
- the mass measurements of larger objects are given in exponential notation. The exponent, the number to the top and right of the whole number (With this number, 105, the 5 is the exponent), represents the number of decimal places after the first digit. Therefore, 105 is the same as 1,000,000.
- Distance measurements found on the cards are sometimes in AU. An AU is the distance from the center of the Earth to the center of the Sun (1.5 x 108km). This is needed due to the enormity of the distances of objects in space.
2. Classify the Space Objects into 5 to 10 groups that have similar features.
3. List the common features of each group of space objects below under “My Classification System.” Write down the numbers of the objects that belong to each group.
My Classification System
4. Cut out the Classification Cards that are attached to this packet. Each card represents a group of space objects as classified by astronomers. Based on the information described on the Classification Cards, places each Space Object Data Card under one of the Classification Card categories.
5. Under “Astronomers’ Classification System,” list the common features of each category of space objects as described on the classification Cards. Then list the objects that belong to each set.
Astronomers’ Classification System
6. Compare the two classification systems. Describe how the systems are:
- similar
- different
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Follow-Up:
1. When you return to class, obtain the names of the space objects from your teacher. Match the objects’ numbers on the cards with their names or descriptions. Does knowing the name or description change how you would want to group the objects?
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Analysis Questions:
1. How did you classify the objects? Describe your system.
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2. List the eight major categories of objects described in the Astronomers’ Classification System. For each classification, write down at least two of the major features of that category.
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3. Carefully read the article “Pluto Demoted!” in your Student Book.
a. Why was Pluto’s classification changed?
b. Do you agree with the changes made by the International Astronomical Union? Explain your choice using evidence from the article.
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Space Object Data Cards
Space Object Data Cards (continued)
Space Object Data Cards (continued)
Space Object Data Cards (continued)
Classification Cards
Classification Cards (continued)
Classification Cards (continued)
IAES Exploring Space: Activity 88 Absent Work