The almost daily new discoveries by use of the Hubble Telescope and deep space probes creates an urgent need for students to gain a basic understanding of the universe; this Jackdaw helps lay the groundwork. Astronomers’ fascination with the heavens from the late 19th century to modern times is examined through hands-on letters between scientists, astronomical charts, illustrations and photographs. Historians: Colin Ronan and Gerald Leach. The contents of this Jackdaw feature:
Broadsheets-
The Universe
- The Problem of Nebulae
- The Telescope Maker
- Splitting Starlight
- The Galaxies
Historical Documents-
Two maps of the heavens, 1790.
- A nebula and a galaxy as seen by William Herschel, Lord Rosse, William Huggins and Edwin Hubble.
- Letter from William Herschel to Johann Bode.
- Letter from Rosse to John Herschel.
- Photograph of part of the Milky Way.
- Charts showing some bright nebulae and galaxies.
- Photographs showing a supernova in Ursa Major.
- Photograph of a cluster of galaxies in the depths of space.
- The great nebula in Orion.
- Star chart in the form of a planisphere.
- Sealed envelope: a problem for astronomers.
Study Guide / Lesson Plan – Reproducible Activities