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Measuring the Universe

Modeling the solar system

Learn
The geocentric universe
(Opens a modal)
Planets & epicycles
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The heliocentric model
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INTERACT: Models of the solar system
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Conjunctions
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Lunar eclipse
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ANIMATE: Phases of the moon
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Types of lunar eclipses
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INTERACT: Lunar eclipse
(Opens a modal)
Practice
Modelling the solar system
4 questions

Measuring the solar system

Learn
A flat earth
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Circumference of Earth
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Occultations
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Size of the moon
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Angular measure 1
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Angular Measure 2
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Intro to parallax
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Parallax: distance
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Solar distance
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Size of the sun
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Scale of solar system
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Practice
Arc length
4 questions
Occultation vs. transit vs. eclipse
4 questions
Angular measure 1
4 questions
Trigonometric ratios in right triangles
4 questions
Angular Measure 2
4 questions
Parallax method
7 questions
Solve similar triangles (advanced)
4 questions

Orbital mechanics

Learn
Discovering pi
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Applying pi
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Circular orbits
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Kepler's first law
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Intro to ellipses
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INTERACT: Elliptical orbits
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Practice
Area and circumference of circles challenge
4 questions
Center & radii of ellipses from equation
4 questions

Spectroscopy

Learn
Origins of spectroscopy
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Visible light (1672)
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Infrared waves (1800)
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Ultraviolet waves (1801)
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Absorption/emission lines
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Spectroscopy
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Radio waves (1888)
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X-rays (1895)
(Opens a modal)
Gamma waves (1900)
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Microwaves (1930)
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Spitzer telescope
(Opens a modal)
Practice
Absorption lines
7 questions

About this unit

How have we applied science and mathematics to understand our solar system?