©American Museum of Natural History via AP
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever been to a planetarium? If so, what did you enjoy most about it? If not, would you like to go? Why or why not?
- Do you know what people can see in a planetarium? If so, what have you learned from it? If not, what do you think you might learn?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- phenomenon /fi-NOM-uh-non/
- structure /STRUHK-cher/
- publish /PUHB-lish/
- establish /ih-STAB-lish/
- visible /VIZ-uh-buhl/
[noun] – something that exists or happens, especially something unusual or interesting
A rainbow is a natural phenomenon that appears after rain.
[noun] – the way something is organized or arranged, especially the parts of something large or complex
The structure of the building was damaged by the storm.
[verb] – to make information, a book, or a report available to the public
The scientist will publish the results in a journal.
[verb] – to start something that will last a long time or to show something clearly
The group wants to establish a new science club at school.
[adjective] – meaning: able to be seen
example sentence: The stars are visible in the sky at night.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
On June 2, 2025, the American Museum of Natural History in New York presented a planetarium show titled Encounters in the Milky Way. While creating this show in 2024, a surprising phenomenon was discovered in the Oort Cloud, a distant region filled with icy objects beyond Pluto. Researchers saw a spiral shape while using real comet data. The spiral looked like a bar with curved arms, much like the Milky Way. Before this, the Oort Cloud was believed to be round. This new interpretation of the structure was published in The Astrophysical Journal and attracted attention in the scientific field.
The pattern was found using computer models made by David Nesvorny of the Southwest Research Institute. These models helped establish that the shape of the Oort Cloud might be more complex than expected. Planetary scientist Andre Izidoro said the discovery was significant and could change how experts see the outer solar system. Even though the spiral is not yet visible through direct observation, changes in comet paths may confirm the idea. The museum team’s focus on science helped make the finding possible, showing that visual simulations can lead to real discoveries.
The pattern was found using computer models made by David Nesvorny of the Southwest Research Institute. These models helped establish that the shape of the Oort Cloud might be more complex than expected. Planetary scientist Andre Izidoro said the discovery was significant and could change how experts see the outer solar system. Even though the spiral is not yet visible through direct observation, changes in comet paths may confirm the idea. The museum team’s focus on science helped make the finding possible, showing that visual simulations can lead to real discoveries.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- When was the planetarium show presented?
- What kind of show was presented at the American Museum of Natural History?
- What was the name of the planetarium show?
- What was discovered in the Oort Cloud?
- What is the Oort Cloud filled with?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever watched a space show or documentary? If so, what did you find interesting? If not, would you like to watch one? Why or why not?
- Have you ever read about the solar system before? If so, what did you learn? If not, which planet do you want to know more about? Why?
- Do you agree that science museums help people understand space better?
- What could happen if new space discoveries are not shared with the public?
- How can museums help young people become interested in science?