Through the Lens: Astronomy, “Habitable Zones” (Standard Definition)

Discussion Ideas

Before watching the video:

• Activity: Research the term “habitable zone.” What does it entail? What are the key criteria that scientists consider when classifying a planet as potentially “habitable”? (This will be discussed further in the video clip.)

After the video:

• Recommended Resource: “NASA discovered 54 life-friendly planets“
• Activity: Read a news story about a recent exoplanet discovery. Discuss which criteria the article puts forth as being key this planet being considered as a candidate as a life-support planet. How could this data be considered from a “rare Earth” perspective?

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