Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Kepler's Three Laws
The three laws of planetary motion as described by Kepler are stated and elaborated upon. Useful graphics and an easy-to-understand language are used to explain the nature of planetary motion. Both conceptual and mathematical. Includes a...
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Earth Orbit Velocity
A discussion and statement of an equation for orbital speed. An interactive JavaScript form allows the user to investigate the relationship between orbital height and orbital speed. A very good opportunity to practice and receive...
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Satellite Motion
An animation depicting the path of projectiles launched at various launch speeds from the fictional Newton's Mountain. Accompanying text discusses satellite motion and the requirements of orbital motion. Links to further information is...
NASA
Nasa: Martian Moon Phobos Hip Deep in Powder
This press release from NASA, based on data from the Mars Global Survey/Mars Orbiter Camera describes Mars' moon Phobos. Included are small thumbanil images that link to more detailed GIF files.
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: G Mg Satellite
This task models a satellite orbiting the Earth in communication with two control stations located miles apart on Earth's surface. Young scholars determine distances between various locations and, given a rate of travel, they determine...
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: G Mg, G Gmd Global Positioning System Ii
Satellites communicate with a GPS device and establish the distance between them and their locations. The set of points at a fixed distance from a satellite form a sphere so when the GPS receives its distance from a given satellite, this...
NASA
Nasa Space Place: Amazing Facts
This site from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration asks the question, how can you hit a soccer goal on the Moon from Earth? Find an answer to this question as well as many more answered by Dr. Marc.
Discovery Education
Discovery Education: Weather Maps
This site provides a lesson plan in which groups of students will each investigate a different type of weather map use for weather forecasting. Also includes discussion questions, extension ideas, and links to additional sites for more...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physics: Gravitation Study Guide
This study guide on gravitation covers some key vocabulary, Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion, and orbiting bodies or satellites. Includes important equations. It is available for download with free registration.
NASA
Nasa Space Place: All About the Moon
Learn all about the moon, what makes it glow, and its phases. Includes some exciting images.
NASA
Nasa: Kepler's Third Law
This site from NASA states Kepler's third law of motion and extends it to develop an equation for the velocity of an orbiting planet.
NASA
Nasa: Kepler's Second Law
This site from NASA states Kepler's second law of planetary motion and depicts its meaning with an informative diagram. Relates the law to conservation of energy principles and discusses the eccentricity of a satellite's (or a planet's)...
NASA
Nasa: Jupiter: Moons: Elara
Statistics and general information about the thirteenth moon of Jupiter. One statement sums it up: "Very little is known about Elara."
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: Paper Mache Solar System
This site from the Illinois Institute of Technology provides a set of directions for the creation of a solar system model out of paper mache. Includes orbital distances and planet diameters for the nine planets. Great idea for a student...
Ministerio de Educación (Spain)
Ntic: Astronomia Visible
In this site you can learn about stars, planets, satellites and a little history of Astronomy.
NASA
Nasa: Space Place: Taking the Search Out of Search and Rescue
Learn how search and rescue is assisted by the use of mapping technology and satellites.
NASA
Nasa: Imagine the Universe: "Twinkle, Twinkle (Really Fast!), Little Star"
"The Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer has discovered neutron stars that emit streams of X-rays pulsing over 1,000 times a second." Visit this site to read the rest of this article. Site offers additional resources as well as a Teacher's Corner.
NASA
Nasa: Imagine the Universe: "Nasa Detects One of Closest"
Site provides the article, "NASA Detects One Of Closest And Brightest Gamma Ray Bursts." Provides links to learn more about gamma rays and black holes as well as other resources.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Kepler's Second Law
Kepler's second law of planetary motion is stated and explained. An animation of the orbit of a planet and an accompanying graphic assists in explaining the meaning of the law of equal areas.
University of St. Andrews (UK)
University of St. Andrews: Orbits and Gravitation
A page describing the physics, mathematics, and historical figures associated with planetary motion, satellite motion, and universal gravitation.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Global Positioning Satellites
The physics associated with global positioning satellites is discussed. The mechanism by which they triangulate the location of an object is described.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Circular Orbit
The necessity of gravitation to a circular orbit is discussed and equations for the orbital speed are derived from the law of universal gravitation. Binary systems in which two objects orbit about a center of mass are explained and...
NASA
Nasa: The Galileo Mission
This site from NASA has information on the Galileo space mission, which launched in October 1989. In spite of technical problems, Galileo transmitted enormous amounts of new data, especially about Jupiter and its satellites and rings,...
Other
Astrophysics Institute Potsdam (Aip): An Ultraviolet Space Observatory
A discussion of ultraviolet light and its interaction with the atmosphere. Describes the UV detectors on a spacecraft which are used to study the UV light emissions from astronomical bodies.