Round N' Round We Go!

Just like our planet Earth, the eight other known planets in our solar system and other small celestial bodies orbit the Sun in mostly circular paths. While these objects are orbiting the Sun, they are doing so at vastly different distances and speeds. Scientists and engineers use their observations of the movement of objects in the sky over time and various technologies to determine the distance of planets from the Sun and from one another, the orbit of planets and more. But, why? Data such as distance and orbital speeds provide valuable information for current and future space exploration and research, including the Mars 2020 Mission! In this lesson, students will investigate the relationship between the Earth and Mars in order to propose solutions to a space exploration challenge.