Lesson 9: A Tour of the Solar System—the Sun and Moon

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 38-43

Scripture:

Genesis 1

Questions to answer:

1. Draw a picture of the Moon inside the Earth showing its size compared to Earth.
2. Develop some arithmetic problems comparing the weight of a person on Earth with the weight of a person on the Moon. Example: How much would you weigh on the Moon if you weighed 60 pounds on Earth? (Answer 10). You can have the child do these as fractions (1/6 x weight on Earth = weight on Moon) or division (weight on Earth divided by 6 = weight on Moon). Be creative!
3. Write a research paper comparing the various evolutionary ideas about the origin of the Moon with the true account found in Genesis 1.
4. What is God's special purpose for the Sun?
5. How big is the Sun?
6. What distinguishes the Sun from other stars?
7. Discuss some scientific and Biblical problems with the 'nebular hypothesis'. (See also J. Maxwell biography, P. Laplace biography.)

Note: The explanation given in the book about nuclear fusion as a source of energy for the Sun is out of date. Recent results indicate that nuclear fusion is, in fact, a primary source of energy for the Sun.

Words to know:

Lunar recession (p. 39)
Nuclear fusion
neutrinos

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

Additional articles:

The young faint sun paradox and the age of the solar system (technical)

Revelations in the Solar System

The Moon: the light that rules the night

Moon dust argument no longer useful

Moon dust and the age of the solar system (technical)

NOTE: Parents/teachers may wish to read these articles and summarize them for younger students.

Addtional resource:

Learn more about the wonders of the solar system through the eyes of the Hubble Telescope with the video series featured at the right.

Future activity:

In November, people in Europe and North America will be able to see the Leonid meteor storm. Find out more here.