Observing Planets and Stars S4E1. Students will compare and contrast the physical attributes of stars, star patterns, and planets. d. Identify how technology is used to observe distant objects in the sky.

Instruments Used to See the Stars People built instruments to help them see objects in the sky in more detail. One of the most basic tools we use is a pair of binoculars. It is possible to see the details of the Moon with binoculars.

Instruments Used to See the Stars Scientists use more sophisticated tools, such as telescopes. A telescope is an instrument used to see dim and far objects much more closely. We can see planets, stars, moons and other galaxies with telescopes.

Hubble Space Telescope Some telescopes are positioned on the ground, and others are in space. Hubble Space Telescope is a telescope in orbit around the Earth. It collects clear images of distant objects in the sky. http://hubblesite.org/gallery/movie_theater/hm_15th_anniversary/

Probes Scientists use other instruments besides telescopes. They use probes to study objects in the Solar System. A probe is a spacecraft used for exploration and is unmanned. http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/videogallery/index.html?media_id=149564391