Diameter of Sun = size of image ÷ length of box x 149,600,000kmĪs 149,600,000km is the distance to the Sun and the ratio of size to distance from the hole is the same for both, this should give you a decent estimate of the Sun’s size.With that measurement and a bit of simple maths, you can calculate the Sun’s diameter: Point the foil-covered front end towards the Sun, being careful to never look directly at it!Īn image of the Sun will appear on the piece of paper and you can measure it with a ruler. Measure the length of the box, from the hole to the sheet of paper. With some slight alteration, a shoebox becomes an astronomical device. Line the inside of the opposite end of the box with the white paper. Then, use the pin or needle to pierce the foil. Place the aluminium foil over the cut-out and tape it down. Cut a 2x2cm square out of the centre of one of the short sides of the shoebox. You’re going to build a simple pinhole camera. You will need: a shoebox, some aluminium foil, sticky tape, a sheet of white paper, a ruler and a pin or needle.Īlthough The Sun is nearly 150 million km away from us and huge, you can measure its size from your living room. Throw a handful of smaller pebbles in with a bit of a swing and you can even create impact crater chains that resemble those on the Moon. By doing so you can see how the angle and speed of impact affect the shape of the crater. Trying changing the speed of the pebble by dropping it from different heights, or see if you can gently throw it in from an angle (careful though, you don’t want to splash flour all over the floor). Congratulations – you’ve created your first crater! The cocoa is just there to help the crater stand out, so any dark power will do.įind a floor or table that’s easy to clean up and set down your basin. Then, sprinkle some cocoa on the surface. Credit: Michael Moltenbreyįill the basin with flour about 2-3cm deep. Right: The meteorite shatters on impact, leaving a crater as evidence of its arrival. Centre: A meteorite strikes the surface, scattering debris. Left: The ‘Moon’ hangs in space, undisturbed for centuries as it orbits Earth. The following experiment will show you what has been happening to the Moon’s surface over millions of years. But how did these craters form and why are some of them deeper or longer than others? Have you ever enjoyed a view of the Moon? Its scarred surface is dominated by large basins and craters of varying size and shape. You will need: a basin, some flour, cocoa and pebbles or marbles of varying sizes.
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