WORLD SPACE WEEK WEBINAR: The origins of the solar system: The DAWN mission

05-Oct-2012 - 4:00 - 5:00 PM Eastern
Target Audience: Grades K - 12
Presented by AESP Specialist: Rachelle Oblack
Learn about the Dawn mission and how this satellite will characterize the early solar system and the processes that dominated its formation by studying asteroid Vesta and dwarf planet Ceres, celestial bodies believed to have accreted early in the history of the solar system.

Materials Needed (optional, if participating in activities along with presenter):
Two potatoes (or balls of clay): one elongated, one rounded. Also need a light source (lamp with shade removed) and a dowel rod, campfire fork, or lazy susan table

Expected Outcomes:
Teachers will understand the ways the Dawn mission and Vesta and Ceres help identify the characteristics of the early solar system. Teachers will also learn to use light curves as a tool for analyzing distant objects in the solar system and beyond.