Structure of the Universe

The Universe

Unit 5

Using models we can investigate the structure of our universe, how it has transformed, and our own orientation in time, place, and space.

Statement of Inquiry

​What is the universe?

​all existing matter and space considered as a whole; the cosmos. The universe is believed to be at least 10 billion light years in diameter and contains a vast number of galaxies; it has been expanding since its creation in the Big Bang about 13 billion years ago.

What lies beyond the solar system?

• Galaxies

• Stars

• Solar Systems

• Planets

• Black Holes

• Comets

• Much More...

There are three types of galaxies, Spiral, Irregular, and Elliptical. What shape is our galaxy?

Our galaxy, the Milky Way galaxy, is a spiral galaxy that looks somewhat like a pinwheel.

​Our Galactic Home

​The Milky Way Galaxy

​One of the spiral arms of our galaxy visible from Earth's surface.

How did the universe start?

There are several theories and they have developed over time as our scientific understanding has developed. The most widely accepted theory is the Big Bang Theory, the idea that the universe began from a single incredibly dense spot and exploded outwards.

​Planets are...

A planet is a celestial body that (a) is in orbit around the Sun, (b) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and (c) has cleared the neighbourhood around its orbit.​

​Exoplanets are...

​extrasolar planet, also called exoplanet, any planetary body that is outside the solar system and that usually orbits a star other than the Sun.

How Big is the universe?

https://youtu.be/nxs5wye0JXs

Multiple Choice

An exoplanet is a planet that orbits

• Another Planet

• Another Star

• Another Galaxy

• Another Moon

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct order listed from smallest body to largest.

• exoplanet, galaxy, star, asteroid

• asteroid, exoplanet, star, galaxy

• star, galaxy, exoplanet, asteroid

• galaxy, exoplanet, asteroid, star

Multiple Select

Check the galaxy shapes (that we know of) are in the universe

• Spiral

• Ellipse

• Oval

• Irregular

Fill in the Blank

We measure distance in space using _____ _____.