Astronomy for children and available to everyone

Some people think that it is only possible to begin astronomy by taking a university course. This, although it seems a lie, is not like that. Anyone can investigate the stars with a basic astronomy equipment for children and available to everyone. We may not make great discoveries, but most likely we will get to know perfectly both planets and stars.

The first step of astronomy for children is to look at the sky as a leisure plan. After, everything usually comes shot. Astronomy is the science responsible for study of the universe. For centuries it was vital for many people who used the position of the Sun, the Earth and the stars to establish the time, the day and the year, as well as to orient themselves in the sea. Here are some ideas to include astronomy for children as a children's leisure plan.


Basic material to learn astronomy

To start in the world of astronomy, it is not necessary to acquire a large amount of material. With binoculars, for example, it is possible to discover many details of great importance.
You always have to have at hand, also, a compass to locate the north, a clock to know the time in which the observations take place, a notebook and star maps or a celestial planisphere.
Also, it is always good to acquire a flashlight. Thanks to it it is possible to consult the star maps without any problem. A good trick is usually to wrap it in red cellophane so that the beam of light does not bother the eyes already adapted to the total darkness of the night.


Stars or planets in the universe

Children may be surprised, especially at the beginning, to know that some of the luminous points of the sky are not stars but planets. How to distinguish them? Well, very simple: The stars present very rapid variations in the intensity of their brightness, is what is called scintillation.
However, the light of the planets is fixed. It is assumed that the scintillation is due to the various layers of the atmosphere that the light has to pass through. In the equatorial regions, for example, it is not very intense.
When a light moves slowly, it may be a space station or an artificial satellite.

The primitive telescopes

The first telescopes were used by astronomers in the seventeenth century. Moreover, it would be Galileo Galilei who in 1609 first recorded his observations. Many stars can be seen with the naked eye, especially if the sky is clear and clear. But, only through binoculars or a telescope can one study some of the weakest stars, the craters of the moon or clearly distinguish the planets from the stars.
There are different types of telescopes. The reflectors, for example, concentrate the light rays through lenses and curved mirrors. Refractors, on the other hand, only wear glasses. Those who start in astronomy can use both models.


Lunatic seas

Moon It is one of the celestial bodies whose study is easier for the amateur astronomer. As it is located at 384,000 km. from distance you can observe almost all of its seas without any kind of eye aid. These seas are identified as the dark zones of the moon since astronomers once thought they were. Now it is known that these are low plains of dark lava.
The brightest areas are highlands. Its surface is full of craters and small mountain ranges that can be seen with a telescope that is not too powerful.

What are the rains of stars?

The comets they leave a trail of waste as they travel through the solar system. Several times a year, the Earth rushes against these residues (dust particles) that invade our atmosphere. They are so small and vaporous that they burn harmlessly, producing a shower of stars. The debris extends along the orbit of each periodic comet.
When the Earth crosses it, the corresponding annual rain of stars occurs.

More information

Astronomical grouping of Madrid
C / Agumouza, 39. 28080-Madrid.
Tel. 91.467.12.68.

Planetarium of Madrid
Tierno Galván Park. 28045-Madrid.
Tel 91

Fabra Observatory
Camino Observatorio Fabra s / n. Tibidabo. 08022-Barcelona.
Tel. 93.417.57.36.

Planetary
House of Sciences
Santa Margarita Park s / n. 15005-La Coruña.
Tel. 981.27.18.28.

Sabadell Astronomical Grouping
Prat de la Riva s / n. Sabadell
Tel. 937.25.53.73.

María Viejo

Video: All About the Sun for Kids: Astronomy and Space for Children


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