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Light as a Cosmic Time Machine

Light as a Cosmic Time Machine
Levels
  • Intermediate (6-8)
  • Advanced (9-12+)
Material Type
  • Article/Informative Text
Heliophysics Big Ideas
  • Big Idea 2.3 – The Sun is the primary source of light…
NGSS
  • PS4 - Waves and their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer
  • ESS1 - Earth's Place in the Universe
  • ESS2 - Earth's Systems
Heliophysics Topics
  • Interstellar Space
  • Light
  • Solar System
  • Electromagnetic Spectrum
  • Sun
Heliophysics Missions
  • Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)
  • Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO)
Related Missions
  • Hubble Space Telescope (Astro)
Material Cost per Learner Free
Language English

Article | Grades 6-12+ | This informative article helps middle and high school learners explore planets, stars, and galaxies while understanding light travel time. It is useful for introductory astronomy reading assignments, allowing educators to introduce concepts of interstellar space, the electromagnetic spectrum, and solar science. Educators can apply this resource as a foundational reading activity, followed by group discussions or worksheet prompts regarding how light acts as a cosmic time machine to reveal the history of our universe.

Credits: PBS and Andrew Fraknoi.

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