Proficiency Badge-Astronomer Badge

The first proficiency badge I would like to try is the Astronomer badge.

The get the astronomer badge there are 6 out of the 8 activities below we have to do :

-Make or draw a model/diagram of the solar system

-Explain the difference between a star and planet

-Identify and draw constellations. In a darkened room show the other Cubs in the room the constellations you have drawn by using a star box you made

-Make a model of a astrolabe (Must be in working order) and explain how it works to your Akela.

-Join an astronomy/stargazing club. Take part in 1 of its activites/make progress in any award scheme provided by the club.

-Find out and present about any 2 of the following, comets, meteorites, asteroids, Northen Lights, sun spots, light years, eclipses, black holes or Space Exploration

-Observe the moon using a telescope/a pair of binoculars and describe its features

-Find out about a career in astronomy (Experience, training and education is required) and explain why this career interests you.

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Activity 1 : Draw a diagram of the solar system

This is my drawing of the solar system. The solar system consist of the Sun and planets like Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn.

I made the model above out of spinning gears, rods and pegs. The model shows how planet such as Earth orbits around the Sun. The reason planets orbit around the Sun is because the gravity of the Sun keeps the planets in orbit.

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Activity 2 : Explain the difference between a star and planet

• Stars have high temperatures while planets how low temperatures.

• Stars are a large body consisting of mainly hydrogen and helium.

• Stars are massive enough for fusion reactions to take place in its core.

• A planet is any body which orbits a star and has cleared its orbit of other bodies.

• A planet can be anything from a small rocky body to a large gas giant.

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