Big Idea 1.1

Heliophysics

The Sun is really big and its gravity influences all objects in the solar system.

The Sun has a radius of about 435,000 miles (700,000 kilometers) and is 100 times wider than Earth and 10 times wider than Jupiter. At the center of the solar system, the Sun’s gravity influences the orbits of planets, comets, asteroids, and Moons. The motions of these objects cause phenomena on Earth that include seasons, Moon phases, and solar and lunar eclipses. NGSS Standards: PS2, ESS1

Image Credits: NASA/SDO

Heliophysics

Big Idea 1.1

The giant, orange Sun dominates the right side of the image. Variations in dark and light orange show the dynamic surface of the Sun. A giant solar prominence loops off of the Sun to the left. A size comparison shows a tiny Earth above the prominence.

Have leaners investigate this heliophysics big idea with the guiding questions below.

Introductory Learner
What causes the changes we observe in the sky each day, month, and year, i.e. light, shadows, and positions of objects?
Intermediate Learner
How do gravitational forces in the Sun-Earth-Moon system cause seasons, eclipses, and lunar phases?
Advanced Learner
Why don't we experience an eclipse each month?

Introductory Learner: A younger learner (K-5), or a learner new to the subject matter.

Intermediate Learner: A middle-aged learner (6-8), or a learner that has some familiarity with the subject matter.

Advanced Learner: An older learner (9-12+), or a learner that has a lot of experience with the subject matter.

framework for heliophysics education

Heliophysics Resouce Database

Use the guiding questions above to explore resources at each level or go directly to our database to search for resources by level, NGSS performance expectation, topic, and mission.

Resource Database