Age Range: 9 and up (approximately, with parental supervision; non-readers will need assistance)
The Space Telescope Science Institute offers this terrific website that allows you to engage
in a multi-media, in-depth inquiry into the astronomy and physics of
black holes through animations and interactive experiments. Explore light, gravity, and the scale of our universe.When
you get to the site, watch a brief, narrated animation that provides
information on how black holes are formed. Then, begin your virtual
journey to a black hole through three interactive modules that include:*Finding the Invisible
โ Loc
ate and identify various objects in the universe such as a binary star,
the Cygnus galaxy, the Andromeda spiral galaxy, the sun, the moon, the
Milky Way, a quasar, a red giant, Saturn, the crab nebula and more. As
each object comes into view, read more about it on the sidebar and by
clicking on the “Learn More” button.*The Voyage
โ Learn about scales and distances by taking a virtual trip to a black
hole. Find out about the objects you pass on your trip through space.
Measure your speed and distance traveled. Get explanations of the
concepts of lightspeed and lightyear. When you reach your destination,
mouse over the black hole to learn about its features.
*Up Close and Personal
โ Orbit a black hole and learn all about it. Try some interactive
experiments and answer related questions. Get the latest scoop from
notable scientists.You can also explore the “Black Hole Encyclopedia” and “Glossary” to learn even more.