This document discusses the importance of astronomy education and our place in the universe. It notes that humans have long sought to understand where we came from and how the universe works. While astronomy was once a core subject, it declined in U.S. schools in the late 19th century but saw a resurgence after Sputnik. The document argues that a basic knowledge of astronomy could help promote peace and understanding. It provides examples of how we can educate others about astronomy through observing sessions, movies, field trips and special events.
4. • Knowledge about the universe & our place within it
• Fundamental importance to human cultures since earliest
recorded history
• Many legends & myths may have been based off of this very
curiosity about our existence
• Since ancient times, humans learned to look up to the
heavens in search for the truth
• Sought answers to questions as:
• Where did we come from?
• How did we get here?
• Are there others like us?
• What does our future hold?
5. • We are not the center of the universe
• We are not special
• We are here by chance
• Consider ourselves lucky to be right here, right now
• Our home is a “pale blue dot” in a “vast cosmic arena”
• If everyone had a basic knowledge of the universe, or
an accurate cosmic perspective, then perhaps:
• We would live more peacefully together
• We would overcome provincial differences
• The world would be a better place
Video Clip: Carl Sagan’s “Pale Blue Dot”
13. • Grave turning point in history of Astronomy education
• Astronomy dropped from US education curriculum by NEA’s
“Committee of Ten”
• Committee of Ten Report: cause of decline in Astronomy courses in
secondary schools from 1894-1957
• Before this, Astronomy was considered a core subject
• Everyone was expected to know the basics of the universe just as the
basics of cell structure
• Russian Sputnik in Nov. 1957
• 1st artificial satellite launched
• Triggered the Space Age/Race
• Pushed the U.S. to improve science & math education
• Efforts by NASA & planetariums helped re-introduce Astronomy back
into schools in 1960’s & 1970’s, but still not enough
14. Voted “Sexiest Astrophysicist Alive”
by People Magazine in 2000
Dr. Tyson Pluto
“Happy to have you aboard … p.s. I am on a federal committee right now to help call for
astro being a fundamental part of a school's curriculum. So the struggle continues.”
15. SUPER
String Theory
M Theory
“It would be nice if more astronomy and physics were taught in school.
Astronomy of today is even more exciting than it was in 1893!”
16. “Being an astronomer, I'd be happy if astronomy
played a larger role in our school curricula.” –Dr. Kevin Marvel, CEO
“I agree with your thesis, as I'm sure most astronomers would …
Having taught astronomy at the high-school and college levels … I can
tell you that I think the U.S. education system is in a shambles.”
– Dr. Rick Fienberg
“Further back in time, Astronomy was often considered
part of basic learning, at least for academics.” – Dr. Steve Maran
17.
18. • Universe sprang into existence 13.7 billion years ago
• Started as singularity, extremely hot & dense state
• Then expanded and cooled down
• Allowed energy to be converted into protons, neutrons & electrons
• Produced giant clouds of primordial elements
• Hydrogen & traces of Helium/Lithium
• Coalesced through gravity, forming stars & galaxies
• Heavier elements later produced by stars & supernovae
• No explosion, just expansion
• Universe continues to expand
rapidly today
Video Clip:
Stephen Hawking - The Big Bang
19.
20.
21.
22. • “We are star stuff” – “We are star dust”
• Hydrogen in our bodies made shortly after the Big Bang
• All other elements synthesized by stars & during supernovae
Video Clips: Star Stuff | The Most Astounding Fact | We are Star Dust
30. • American Astronaut
• First person to walk on
the moon
• July 20, 1969
• Apollo 11 Mission
Neil Armstrong, 08/05/1930 – 08/25/2012 Armstrong, Michael Collins & Buzz Aldrin
42. Interactive Animation from National Geographic:
http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/space/solar-system/sun-article.html
43.
44. • Natural light display on
the sky in high latitudes
• Arctic & Antarctic regions
• Caused by collision of
energetic charged
particles with atoms in
the atmosphere
• Charged particles from solar
wind & magnetosphere
• Directed by Earth’s magnetic
field at polar regions
• Aurora Borealis
• Northern Lights
• Aurora Australis
• Southern lights
• Occur in magnetic poles
of other planets too!
83. • Pluto demoted in 2006
• Highly Controversial
• Part of sea of other objects occupying same region of space
• International Astronomical Union (IAU) meeting
• Established 3 main categories of objects in Solar System
• Planets
• Dwarf Planets
• Small Solar System Bodies
“New category of trans-Neptunian objects”
123. • Space Simulators
• Space Engine
• Celestia
• Universe Sandbox
• Orbiter
• The Solar System - Explore Your Backyard
• Planetarium Software
• Stellarium
• Cartes du Ciel (SkyChart)
• Computer Aided Astronomy (C2A)
• WorldWide Telescope
• Home Planet
• Viewers
• Aladin
• Sky-Map
• Google Sky & Google Earth
Video Clips: Demos of Celestia, Space Engine, Universe Sandbox, The Solar System…
124. • DVD/Blu-ray Collections:
• Cosmos by Carl Sagan
• How the Universe Works
• Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking
• Nova: Fabric of the Cosmos
• The Universe (6 Seasons)
• Youtube:
• “The Sagan Series”
• “Deep Astronomy” by Tony Darnell
• NASAexplorer, SpaceRip, Best0fScience, etc.
• “Cosmos” Sequel (2013)
• Airing on National Geographic & Fox
125.
126. We are all on this little rock together, for only a short period of time…
– Peace - Compassion - Unity –
127. “There is no rule which decrees you cannot go
back and enjoy another field. There are so
many interesting fields, which is why many
faculty have several degrees in several fields.
I would encourage you to study on your own if
time does not permit formal studying, and go
back for formal studies when you are able.
There is immense pleasure to be had in
deriving new knowledge of the mysteries that
surround us." –Instructor Jahangeer, GMU
128. “Our purpose is to promote universal
peace, compassion and unity by raising
awareness of the structure of the universe
and our place within it.”
http://www.gmu.edu/org/cosmos
No knowledge of science is required - Open to all who are interested
129. • Observing Sessions
• Movie/Game Nights
• Field Trips
• Star Parties
• Public Lectures
• Special Events
• Transits
• Eclipses
We’re just a group of people with similar
interests and philosophies who like to hang out,
explore and have fun while promoting Astronomy
education and awareness, as well as universal
peace, compassion and unity.
