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How to Gather Data on Planets

Space is huge, and so is the possible amount of available data concerning it. Even within the relatively limited confines of the solar system, the details of the planets' names, orbits, sizes, masses, temperatures and numbers of moons can seem overwhelming, but in a way, that's what makes the planets so amazing. Studying the planets expands your mind by making you visualize worlds you could not even imagine before. It puts in perspective just how special Earth is.

Instructions

Explore Online
- 1
  Log onto the Internet and navigate to the Nine Planets website.
- 2
  Click the links in the content for encyclopedic information on planets, moons, dwarf planets and other inhabitants of the solar system.
- 3
  Write down the facts you need on note cards or print the web page so it will be there when you need it.
Visit a Planetarium
- 4
  Go to the planetarium nearest you. If you do not know where your nearest planetarium is, you can click the first link in Resources.
- 5
  View the planetarium's exhibits, watch its shows and take notes on all you discover.
- 6
  Ask a staff member for any additional information you desire.
Gaze Through a Telescope
- 7
  Buy a good telescope.
- 8
  Procure a guide to finding and tracking planets in the night sky.
- 9
  Take your telescope outside on a clear night. Look at the planets and notice their color, size and movement. Go out on as many nights as possible to track their path and speed across the sky. Write down your observations.

Astronomy