Home Planet

Go Out and Observe the Moon!

One day each year, everyone on earth is invited to unite in order to observe and learn about the moon and its connection to planetary science. This special day, called International Observe the Moon Night (InOMN), is a NASA-sponsored, annual worldwide celebration of lunar science and exploration, and it’s a great opportunity to share personal […]

Picture of the Week: Blue-Green Algae Bloom

Picture of the Week: Kelvin-Helmholtz Clouds

Picture of the Week: Sunshine Recorder

Picture of the Week: Cock-Eyed Squid

A Human Sundial

Creating a “Human Sundial” You have probably noticed that on sunny days the length of your shadow changes. It might start off in the morning long, get shortest some time around lunchtime, and appear longest right before the sun goes down. You may have also noticed that shadows cast at different times of day also […]

Solar Convection

In this activity from Lawrence Hall of Science, you'll use hot and cold water to see how fluids at different temperatures move around in convection currents.  Be sure to share what you've learned about the sun and convection during Science Friday's Science Club, using the hashtag #ExplainTheSun. Age Level: 10 and up  Time Preparation: 5 minutes  Activity: 10 […]

Map Sun Trails

In this activity from Lawrence Hall of Science, you'll use photosensitive paper to record how the sun moves across the sky.  Be sure to share what you've learned about the sun during Science Friday's Science Club with the hashtag #ExplainTheSun. Age Level: 6 and up  Time Preparation: 5 minutes  Activity: 5 minutes Cleanup: 5 minutes Materials  Sunprint paper […]

The Fine Art of Toxic Waste

To the unacquainted eye, southeastern Ohio is a picturesque vision of rolling, grass-covered hills dotted with trees. But for Guy Riefler, an associate professor of civil engineering specializing in environmental remediation, this pastoral landscape is deceptive. It hides abandoned, underground coal mines that leach iron and acid waste into nearby streams, filling them with an […]

Spot the Sunspots

In this activity from Lawrence Hall of Science, you'll use binoculars or a telescope to identify and track sunspots. You’ll need a bright sunny day to complete this activity. Download the printable version of this activity, with associated visuals, here.  Be sure to share what you've learned about sunspots with Science Friday's Science Club using the […]