Lesson 12: Catastrophes in the Solar System

Textbook:

Recommended resource
The Astronomy Book Dr Jonathan Henry The second book in the highly successful ‘Wonders of Creation’ series. The Astronomy Book soars through the solar system! The reader will acquire a wealth of knowledge on subjects such as supernovas, red shift, facts about planets, and much more. Enhanced with dozens of color photos and illustrations including official NASA shots! ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY

The Astronomy Book

Introduction:

These lessons are geared for younger students. Many lessons will, however, include activities for the older student. Parents/teachers will easily find the answers to questions in the text, and should prepare themselves by reading the stated pages prior to having the student read the weekly assignment. If a child is not able to read yet, parents may wish to read the text to the student.

Read:

Pages 60-71

Scripture:

Psalm 8:3
Isaiah 3:18
Psalm 81:3
Isaiah 45:18

Questions to answer:

1. Of what are the rings of Saturn composed?
2. What other planets have rings?
3. What are asteroids? What does 'asteroid' mean?
4. Do you think the 'asteroid belt' between Earth and Mars formed from a planetary explosion? Why or why not?
5. Why is Mars called the 'red planet'?

6. Recommended resource

   Journeys to the Edge of Creation Moody Institute of Science See through the eyes of the Hubble telescope as this visually stunning series probes the mysteries of the heavens. Only the Master Planner could have created it with such precision and loving care. Available in a boxed set. Our Solar System: As long as man has gazed into the night skies, he has wondered at the world of space. How big is it? Who keeps it all in place? Now you can see for yourself in this remarkable exploration of the universe -- and our own place within it. The Milky Way & Beyond: Quasars, nebulae, and exploding stars. See them all! Thrill to the vastness of God's Creation as this incredible video brings the deepest regions of space into sharper focus than ever before in history. ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY

   Write an essay answering the question, 'Was there ever liquid water on Mars?' (See also our Astronomy page for more information.)
7. What is the underlying reason that people reject the Biblical account that Earth was once covered in water?
8. What do the catastrophes discussed in this section have in common?
9. What is the difference between a comet, a meteor, an asteroid and a meteorite?
10. What do we really see when we see a comet?
11. What is the 'Oort Cloud'? Discuss the problems associated with the idea. (See also More problems for the 'Oort comet cloud'? and Comets and the age of the solar system for additional information.)
12. Do you think a meteor impact caused the extinction of the dinosaurs? Why or why not? (See also Did a meteor wipe out the dinosaurs? and The Great Dinosaur Extinction Controversy.)
13. The Astronomy Book discusses at least six aspects of the solar system and universe that confirm the Biblically-based teaching that the creation is a few thousand years old at most. Write a research paper summarizing these and any other astronomical evidence that you can find (see also the Young Age Evidence and Astronomy pages).

Words to know:

Shepherd moons
Nebular hypothesis
Planetary rings
Meteor
Symmetrical cratering
Oort cloud
comet