Weighing a Galaxy

In this activity, students use Newton's Laws of Motion, and the motions of the planets, to determine the mass of the sun. They then use the same techniques to determine the mass of a galaxy. In doing so, students convert among different units of measure used in astronomy. This activity includes a student worksheet and background information for the teacher. It is activity 6d in the "Hidden Lives of Galaxies" information and activity booklet.

This resource is located on page 43 of the PDF document.

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Source

NASA GSFCLast modified 2005

Audience

Education Level: High school

Topics

Earth and space science:Astronomy:Stars, nebulae and galaxies Physical sciences:Motion and forces

Resource Type

Activity, Data, Instructor guide/manual

Learning Time