Bad (Space) Weather Cancels Pigeon Races!

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What is the main idea of the article?

• Pigeon racing is an ancient sport that has been around for 2,000 years.

• Pigeons use the Earth's magnetic field to navigate, but space weather can interfere with their ability to find their way home.

• Scientists at the Space Weather Prediction Center study the Sun's activity.

• The Sun’s position helps pigeons navigate during races.

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CCSS.RI.8.2

Based on the passage, why do pigeon racers call the Space Weather Prediction Center?

• To find out if the weather on Earth will be too rainy for racing.

• To ask for scientific advice on training pigeons.

• To check if space weather might interfere with their pigeons’ navigation.

• To request satellite images of their pigeons flying.

What can be inferred about pigeons’ navigation skills?

• Pigeons always find their way home, no matter the conditions.

• Pigeons rely only on the Sun to determine direction.

• Pigeons have a built-in ability to sense Earth’s magnetic field, but solar storms can disrupt it.

• Pigeons use human-made maps to track their flight paths.

What happens when a solar storm affects Earth’s magnetic field?

• It makes pigeons fly faster.

• It confuses pigeons and can send them in the wrong direction.

• It improves a pigeon’s ability to sense Earth’s magnetic field.

• It has no effect on pigeon racing.

What is an inference made about pigeon racers in the text?

• They are careless about their pigeons.

• They care deeply about their pigeons.

• They race pigeons for fun only.

• They do not take any precautions.

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CCSS.RI.8.1

What does the phrase "No one wants to lose a prized pigeon" suggest?

• Pigeons are not valuable.

• Pigeons are highly valued.

• Pigeons are easy to lose.

• Pigeons are not cared for.

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CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.L.8.5C

What effect does space weather have on pigeon races, and why does it cause problems for the pigeons?

(Include text evidence in your response)

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CCSS.RI.8.1