Observations

Hunt the Asteroids

How do we find asteroids?



An image of a pair of binoculars on the Earth looking out to space showing small asteroids scattered through it.


Investigate: Measure the Size of a Galaxy

Have you ever wondered how big a galaxy is? They contain millions to billions of stars but what does that really mean for size?

Reading about sizes in a book is one thing, but what if you could make an observation of a galaxy and then measure its size?



Picture of a galaxy with a ruler next to it and question marks


Make Your Own Star Wheel

Have you ever noticed how the night sky looks different every single day? This is because we are constantly moving in space so our view changes.



A picture of a starry sky with question marks over the top


Ricardo Schiavon

Headshot of Ricardo Schiavon
Ricardo Schiavon
Credit: ARI/LJMU

Occupation: Astrophysicist

Research Areas: Galaxy formation, Observational astronomy

 

"I consider myself extremely lucky to be where I am, do what I do, and to be surrounded by so many amazing people here in Liverpool."

 

Keep a Moon Diary

Have you noticed the Moon is brighter some nights than others? And it looks like the Moon changes shape? We call these changes the phases of the Moon.



A calendar for a month that has been partially filled in to show the phase of the Moon on each day.


Predict the Solar Cycle

The Sun is a constant presence in our life on Earth. It gives us the heat and light we need to survive. But it is not a stable place. The Sun is a ball of hot plasma which is constantly changing.



Predicting the Sun's Cycle


Moon Phases Poster

Have you noticed that the Moon doesn't always look the same. Sometimes we can see the full face of the Moon and it becomes the brightest object in the night sky. At other times, it appears as a just small sliver in the sky.



A poster taped to a notice board. The poster shows the phases of the Moon in a horizontal row against a black background.


What Can We See on the Moon?



The image shows a picture of the Moon against a dark blue background. There are labels pointing to different features on the surface of the Moon.