Working scientifically

Galaxies do not exist alone – they are part of groups. These groups can also be part of larger clusters with hundreds of thousands of galaxies. Each galaxy type has smaller versions called dwarf galaxies. Our own galaxy, the Milky Way, belongs to a group called the Local Group. 

Galaxies are vast collections containing billions of stars, planets, and massive clouds of gas, dust, and ice. Understanding galaxies is a key part of astronomy. One important tool for studying them is classification—grouping them into a few different categories. 

Impact craters are made when a space rock (called a meteorite or asteroid) hits a rocky planet or moon. The impact makes a round hole in the surface, called a crater.

In the UK, we experience 4 seasons each year. These are spring, summer, autumn, and winter. You may have noticed that the weather changes during each season. But have you noticed any other differences? 

You have probably seen the Moon in the sky, but have you ever studied it in detail?

You have likely heard about the Universe expanding. Or that redshift can tell us about the movements of galaxies. Both are difficult ideas to imagine and understand.

Is gravity the same everywhere? Experiment with how the ball reacts in each of the Solar System locations by dropping or throwing the ball. How similar or different is each location to Earth?