Lesson Summary

	We are a star-powered planet, and our star, the primary source of energy on Earth, is the Sun. Objects on Earth absorb some of that energy, and reflect or radiated away the rest. Light and heat are just two forms of energy emitted from the Sun. In this activity, students will explore the unseen energy produced by the Sun. Take me to the complete lesson Back to Scientific Process Modules

Essential Question

How can a spacecraft be protected form the Sun's visible and invisible radiation?

Essential Concepts

• The Sun produces energy - both visible and invisible to our eyes.
• The light we see is visible energy from the Sun reflected off surfaces.
• Some of the Sun's energy is received on Earth as ultraviolet energy that can produce skin burns and cancer.
• There are ways of blocking ultraviolet radiation.

MESSENGER Mission Connection

The atmosphere on Earth provides a measure of protection to the planet, and everything on it, from the harmful effects of exposure to sunlight. Once the MESSENGER craft leaves the atmosphere, it will be more exposed to the dangerous invisible forms of the Sun's energy. As the craft gets closer to Mercury, this exposure will intensify. The potential for damage to the craft and its instruments is very high. MESSENGER team scientists are constantly refining their design of the craft so that exposure to the Sun's energy will be minimized.