MS-ESS1-2

Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system.

  1. Planets

    Analyze This: Some 5,000 planets orbit stars other than our sun

    A new cache of confirmed exoplanet discoveries marks a milestone in planets found beyond our solar system.

    By
  2. Space

    Explainer: All about orbits

    A handful of rules can describe the route some object repeatedly takes around another in space. Calculating that path, however, can be quite complex.

    By
  3. Space

    Scientists Say: Constellation

    Constellations are clusters of related things, especially the stars that form patterns in the night sky — some of which date back to ancient times.

    By
  4. Planets

    Let’s learn about Pluto

    Once known as a pipsqueak planet, Pluto is now the solar system’s best known dwarf planet.

    By
  5. Physics

    Scientists Say: Doppler effect

    The Doppler effect is a perceived change in the frequency of light or sound waves due to the wave source moving relative to an observer.

    By
  6. Physics

    Scientists Say: Dark Energy

    Dark energy is the unknown force causing the universe to expand faster and faster.

    By
  7. Physics

    Explainer: Gravity and microgravity

    The force of gravity holds us on the ground, keeps planets in orbit and extends throughout space. A very weak gravitational pull is called microgravity.

    By
  8. Space

    Explainer: Telescopes see light — and sometimes ancient history

    Different kinds of telescopes on Earth and in space help us to see all wavelengths of light. Some can even peer billions of years back in time.

    By
  9. Space

    Astronomers may have found first known planet in another galaxy

    The spiral-shaped Whirlpool galaxy may be home to the first planet spotted outside our own Milky Way galaxy.

    By
  10. Earth

    Let’s learn about meteor showers

    Meteor showers happen when Earth’s orbit passes through trails of debris left behind by comets or asteroids.

    By
  11. Space

    This image may be the first look at exomoons in the making

    These observations offer some of the best evidence yet that planets around other stars have moons, or exomoons.

    By
  12. Space

    Born in deep shadows? That could explain Jupiter’s strange makeup

    Dust that blocked sunlight might have caused the gas giant to form in a deep freeze, a new study suggests.

    By