Solstick: How it works
To measure the size of the Earth, we can use the fact that shadows cast by the Sun are different lengths in different places at the same time. If the Earth were flat, all the shadows would be the same everywhere at a particular time, but because it is curved like a ball, some shadows are longer than others.
Solstick: Measuring the Earth
For a number of years around the Summer Solstice, the Schools' Observatory ran a national experiment to use shadow sticks to measure the size of the Earth.
Earth, Sun and Moon Quiz
The Earth is the planet you (and everyone else) live on! The Moon is a natural satellite of the Earth. This means it travels around our planet in a huge circle called an 'orbit'. The Sun is a star in the centre of our Solar System.
Solar System Quiz
A star system consists of a star and the objects that orbit it. A galaxy contains millions of stars and star systems. But how much do you know about our own Solar System? Take our quiz to find out!