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Astronomy Year / Week 10 / Wednesday
3/6
Week 10 · Shooting Stars

Wednesday

How to watch for meteors
// Meteors and meteor showers
⏱ about 15 min

Wednesday: How to watch for meteors

Rocket brings binoculars to watch meteors.

Raven looks at the wide sky. "What do you notice? Meteors could zip anywhere."

Nova lies flat on a blanket. "Hint: you want to see as much sky as you can."

Meteor watching tips

  • You do not need a telescope or binoculars.
  • Find a dark place away from bright lights.
  • Lie back on a blanket and look up.
  • Let your eyes relax. Do not stare at one spot.
  • Nights without a bright full moon are best.
  • Be patient. Meteors may come every few minutes on a shower night.
GET READY TO WATCH
  • Tap a card.
  • Then tap its spot.
1First
2Next
3Then
4Last
WATCHING CHECK
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
What is the best tool for watching meteors?
Which night is better for meteors?
Good to know
On any clear night, you might see a few meteors an hour.
Shower nights can have more.

Why lie down?

Meteors can streak across any part of the sky.

Lying down lets you see lots of sky at once.

Binoculars and telescopes see only a tiny part.

So your eyes are the best tool for meteors.

WATCH LIKE A PRO
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
Why lie back on a blanket?
Should you stare at one spot?
How many meteors might you see on any clear night?
Who comes with you to watch meteors?
Watching tipTrue or false?
A dark place away from lights is best.?
A full moon night is best for meteors.?
You need a telescope to see meteors.?
Being patient helps you see more.?
WHY THIS EXERCISEGood habits help you catch more meteors.
Try it
Lie on a blanket on the floor with a grown-up.
Look up at the whole ceiling at once.
A grown-up flicks a red light on for one second somewhere.
Did you catch it?
Safety first
Never shine any light in eyes.
Clear the floor around the blanket.
Draw yourself on a blanket, watching for meteors.

You are ready to watch! Tomorrow: real stars versus shooting stars.

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