4.2 Introduction to Space Physics

• Theory of the origin of the universe: the big bang
• Classification of bodies in the universe
• Planetary motion
• Telescopy and the evolution of astrophysics
• History of space exploration
• Careers in space flight and astrophysics

• describe the big bang theory of the origin of the universe
• classify celestial bodies in the universe
• outline the evolution of astrophysics and space exploration
• explain the motion of planets around the sun
• appreciate the careers in space exploration

“How do we know the universe is expanding when we cannot stand outside it?”

“How do we benefit from astrophysics?”

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1. The origin and contents of the universe
   40 min · 2 practice tasks · quiz
   What the universe is made of, how it began, and how anyone could possibly know.
2. Planetary motion, telescopes and exploration
   40 min · 2 practice tasks · quiz
   What holds a planet in orbit, how we look outward, and what space science has given back.
3. Mapping the solar system
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Inner rocky planets, the asteroid belt, outer giants, and why a scale model will not fit in a classroom.
4. Kepler's laws of planetary motion
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Ellipses, equal areas, longer years further out - the rules that sit on top of gravity.
5. Telescopes and how astrophysics grew
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Collecting light with lenses and mirrors, radio and space telescopes, and how that grew the science.
6. Space exploration and careers
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   From Sputnik to the ISS, why Malindi sits on the equator, and jobs that use space physics on Earth.