As interplanetary travel by robot vehicles launched from earth becomes more sophisticated, the solar system neighborhood will be constantly rediscovered. This will lead to the maturation of the science of comparative planetology. This discipline, involved in study of the origin, evolution, and nature of planets, promises significant future…

The results of this study indicate that, for the astronomical concepts used, no significant difference in the cognitive domain will occur between the achievement of students who experience a participatory planetarium program and students who experience a traditional lecture-demonstration program. (Author/MK)

Discusses the hypothesis studied by astrophysicists on the symmetry between matter and anti-matter in the composition of the universe. (HM)

Discusses some of the basic theories in cosmology, such as Hubble's laws and the big-bang theories, and looks at some of the ideas of astronomers and scientists with respect to their evaluation of the future of the universe. (GA)

Explains a flexible two-part grading scheme which attempts to mix the best of both the descriptive and analytical treatments of an introductory astronomy course, to allow for differences in the academic backgrounds of the students. (GA)

Presents a method for determining the approximate radius vector of a planet or asteroid from two closely separated observation positions, using mathematics suitable for lower division college students. (MLH)

Presents a procedure for finding the elements of the orbit of an astronomical object from three or more observations. From a set of assumed elements an ephemeris is calculated and compared to the observations. (MLH)

Stresses the importance of our early scientific contributions in affecting the later course of American science. (Editor)

Discusses the concept of time in relation to the age of the chemical elements and the age of the universe. (MLH)

Discusses a joint research program between several high school teachers and solar system astronomers in which data were collected on photoelectric observations of asteroids and minor planets via astronomical telescopes. (MLH)

Evaluates the planetarium's perceived role in education in the United States; reviews history (1945-present) of its use as an educational tool, showing changes in importance of education and entertainment during the period. (CS)

Discusses theories about the possibility of the weakening or strengthening of the gravitational constant, and the cosmological effects of such a change. (MLH)

Presents guiding principles for developing interactive lessons for the World Wide Web. Describes "Amazing Space: Education Online from the Hubble Space Telescope", a program where students study spectacular Hubble Space Telescope images of stars and star-forming regions to learn about the life cycle of stars and the creation of atoms. (JRH)

Describes basic misconceptions about the origin of elements and forms of matter found in chemistry texts that need modification in light of modern observational data and interpretations given in astronomy. Notes that there are forms of matter other than elements and compounds. Confounding examples from astronomy include white dwarfs, neutron…

Describes how to use collaborative groups as a teaching strategy in a 200 student introductory astronomy class for nonscience majors. Presents a brief rationale for this approach then describes the implementation process and lessons learned. Emphasizes practical information most useful for faculty starting to include collaborative group activities…