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Astro 101 Core Concepts

Build foundational astronomy reasoning by linking Earth-sky geometry, measurement, and light into one guided progression.

For Astro 101 lectures Level 101 8 demos ~72 min 6 required 2 optional

A broad starter journey covering the core ideas students need before branching into specialized topics.

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Instructions

Move in order through required demos first.

For each demo:
1) Write one prediction before touching controls.
2) Capture one key observable from the run.
3) State one inference and why the model supports it.

Journey steps

  1. Moon Phases: Light, Not Shadow

    Required

    8 min

    Explain changing lunar appearance from illumination geometry.

    Play Station Exhibit page

  2. Seasons: Why Tilt Matters

    Required

    12 min

    Use Sun-angle evidence to explain seasonal temperature patterns.

    Play Station Exhibit page

  3. Eclipse Geometry: Shadows in Space

    Required

    12 min

    Predict when eclipses can and cannot occur from alignment + tilt.

    Play Station Exhibit page

  4. Parallax Distance: Measuring the Stars

    Required

    12 min

    Infer stellar distance from geometric baselines and measured angle shifts.

    Play Station Exhibit page

  5. Telescope Resolution: Sharper Eyes

    Required

    10 min

    Connect aperture/wavelength choices to resolving power limits.

    Play Station Exhibit page

  6. Blackbody Radiation: Thermal Spectrum and Temperature

    Required

    12 min

    Infer temperature from spectrum shape and peak location.

    Play Station Exhibit page

  7. Electromagnetic Spectrum: Light Beyond Visible

    Optional

    10 min

    Place visible light inside the broader electromagnetic spectrum.

    Play Station Exhibit page

  8. Angular Size: The Sky’s Ruler

    Optional

    10 min

    Distinguish apparent size from physical size using distance context.

    Play Station Exhibit page

Why this sequence?

Why this sequence?

The first three demos anchor sky geometry, the middle demos introduce distance and instruments, and the final light modules connect observables to physical inference. Together they form a complete Astro 101 reasoning arc.