These sites are about the future of our galaxy, the Milky Way, as predicted by scientists using the powerful Hubble Telescope. Particular attention is given to the predicted collision of the Milky Way with the nearby Andromeda Galaxy. This eTheme includes: a lesson plan, a classroom activity, an animated-interactive lesson, and articles on the topic. Also includes links to detailed information about each of the two galaxies, the Hubble Space Telescope, unmanned space probes, and the future of human spaceflight. Finally, this eTheme includes links to three other eThemes resources on the universe, stars, and black holes which are all relevant to the topic of the future of the Milky Way Galaxy.
Click on "Universe" under "Level 2" to read a brief article about the universe. Next, click on "The Milky Way," "Galaxies," "Stars," or "Black Holes" to find information about these aspects of our eThemes topic: Astronomy: Milky Way Galaxy. Also, from this page, you can click on "Universe Activities" to be directed to quizzes and puzzles on the topic.
Read about the next great event in our galaxy which will happen in four billion years when the Milky Way collides with the Andromeda Galaxy. Read the NASA news release, a detailed account of the future collision, and see pictures and video representations of the event by clicking on the tabs.
Teach students about the future of our galaxy with this lesson plan from Discovery Education. Although intended for use with students grades 9-12, the lesson is easily adapted for use with younger students in upper elementary and middle school. The video footage from the HubbleSite resource in this eTheme may be substituted for the required video in this lesson plan which is not provided. NOTE: This site contains banner and other ads.
Learn about the Hubble Space Telescope and how it has provided us with much information about our universe on this NASA site. Click on "The Hubble Story" or "Historical Milestones of the Hubble Project" at the bottom of the page for more detailed information. The sidebar on the right of the page contains interesting facts about the Hubble mission.
See the future of American human space exploration on this NASA website. Read about the International Space Station, commercial spacecraft and vehicles, and human spaceflight capabilities, as well as watch video interviews of future destinations.
These sites have information about the universe, the Milky Way, and other galaxies. Learn about the different types of galaxies. View photographs taken from space, listen to audio files of experts, and play interactive games.
Learn about how stars are formed and their life cycle. Sites include information on size of stars, their colors, constellations, and history. There is a site with a video showing a star being formed. Also included is an eThemes Resource on constellations.
Learn about one of the biggest mysteries in the Universe – a black hole. Find out how scientists throughout centuries were developing theories that would explain the universe formation. Learn what part in this process black holes get to play. The following sites discuss different theories about existence of black holes. The sites contain images, diagrams, and animated simulations of black holes.