SCIENCE FORM 3CHAPTER 10: SPACE

EXPLORATION

10.1 DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIELD OF ASTRONOMY AND SPACE EXPLORATION

Astronomy is the study of objects in the Universe like planets, stars and galaxies.

The Greeks were the first to study astronomy. They classified stars based on constellations. They declared that the Earth is spherical and the orbits of the planets are circular.

10.1 DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIELD OF ASTRONOMY AND SPACE EXPLORATION

Besides the Greeks, Islamic astronomers contributed greatly to the study of astronomy. They studied the rotation of the Earth as well as the solar

and lunar eclipse. Claudius Ptolemy contribute to the

study of astronomy by assuming that the Earth was the centre of the Universe.

10.1 DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIELD OF ASTRONOMY AND SPACE EXPLORATION

Astronomers need instruments to help them observe objects that are far away.

Hans Lippershey, a Dutch optician, invented the telescope.

Galileo Galilei, an Italian astronomer,

was the first man to observe the objects in space using a telescope.

American astronomers discovered the Andromeda galaxy and the planet Pluto.

10.1 DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIELD OF ASTRONOMY AND SPACE EXPLORATION

Developments in space exploration:Year Development

1957 Russia launched the first man-made telescope. Since then, space telescopes have been put into orbit by rockets. These are able to get more information on objects in space. Besides that, space probes send valuable data back to Earth.

1961 Yuri Gagarin, a Russian astronaut became the first human to orbit the Earth in a spacecraft.

1969 American astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first human to set foot on the Moon.

1971 The first space station was launched by the Russians. Astronauts carry out scientific work on space stations.

1981 Space shuttles have been used to carry astronauts to retrieve and repair damaged satellites as well as carry out research in space.

10.1 DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIELD OF ASTRONOMY AND SPACE EXPLORATION

Space telescope Space probe

10.1 DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIELD OF ASTRONOMY AND SPACE EXPLORATION

Space exploration helps us learn about the Universe and contributes to scientific and technological development.

Uses of satellites

Weather monitoring

Defence

Navigation Environmental monitoring

Communication