Impacts dominate the solar system, and making impacts is an exciting activity for all ages! Begin with checking out this topic's featured activity, Impact Craters, which is ideal for use by organizations and clubs such as libraries, planetariums, science centers, astronomy clubs, and scout troops.
If you plan to hold an observing session about this topic, impact craters on the Moon are intriguing sights. Even binocular views reveal extensive cratering. The best time to view the craters is when the Moon is partially lit -- such as around first quarter.
Your club or group may want to consider a virtual or live fieldtrip, using NASA imagery of Mercury, Mars and moons to observe craters, or visiting Earth craters such as Barringer Crater (Meteor Crater).
Consider getting in touch with local astronomical societies, planetariums and museums, local scientists (astronomy and geology departments at nearby universities are a good place to start), Night Sky Network Astronomy Clubs, and NASA's Solar System Ambassadors -- ask them to join your events and share their experiences or resources with the children.
Be sure to submit photographs, artwork, music, or words of your community enjoying this activity to Share Your Stories.
Activities
| Splat | Children model ancient lunar impacts using water balloons. By measuring the diameter of the crater area, children discover that the Moon's largest impact basins were created by huge asteroids! |
| Moon in Action | In this 30-minute activity, children, ages 7 and up, and their families go outside on a clear evening and view the sky to see the Moon for themselves. Using sky charts and other resources, and possibly in partnership with a local astronomical society, children navigate the Moon's impact craters, flat plains (maria) and mountains with the naked eye and binoculars or telescopes. |
