Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- corona /kuh-ROH-nuh/
- ejection /ih-JEK-shuhn/
- elliptical /ih-LIP-ti-kuhl/
- trajectory /truh-JEK-tuh-ree/
- precision /pri-SIZH-uhn/
[noun] – the outer layer of the sun’s atmosphere, which is visible during a solar eclipse
The bright corona of the sun was visible during the total solar eclipse.
[noun] – the act of something being thrown or pushed out forcefully
The volcanic ejection of ash covered the nearby towns in minutes.
[adjective] – having an oval shape; elongated in a way that is curved
The orbit of the comet is highly elliptical, taking it close to the sun.
[noun] – the path followed by an object moving under the action of given forces
The rocket’s trajectory was carefully calculated to reach its target.
[noun] – the quality of being exact and accurate
The surgeon performed the operation with great precision, ensuring no mistakes.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Two European satellites were launched from India on December 5, 2024, marking the beginning of a groundbreaking mission to create artificial solar eclipses. This project, named Proba-3, is designed to enable scientists to study the sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, for extended periods. Natural solar eclipses on Earth typically last only a few minutes, but these artificial eclipses will last six hours each. This extended observation time will allow researchers to investigate the mysterious phenomenon of why the sun’s corona is hotter than its surface and examine coronal mass ejections—eruptions of plasma and magnetic fields that can disrupt Earth’s communication systems. The mission will span two years, with at least two eclipses conducted weekly.
The satellites, which are cube-shaped and measure less than 1.5 meters across, will orbit Earth in a highly elliptical trajectory ranging from 600 to 60,000 kilometers. To create artificial eclipses, the satellites will fly 150 meters apart, aligning with extreme precision of within one millimeter. One satellite will use a disk to block the sun’s light, replicating the effect of a natural eclipse, while the other will carry a telescope to observe the sun’s corona. This technological feat will be achieved using GPS, lasers, star trackers, and radio links to ensure autonomous operation. Experts from the European Space Agency have emphasized the importance of this mission for studying solar activity and mitigating the effects of geomagnetic storms on Earth. Data collection is expected to begin by March, providing valuable insights for researchers and demonstrating the potential of high-precision satellite technology.
The satellites, which are cube-shaped and measure less than 1.5 meters across, will orbit Earth in a highly elliptical trajectory ranging from 600 to 60,000 kilometers. To create artificial eclipses, the satellites will fly 150 meters apart, aligning with extreme precision of within one millimeter. One satellite will use a disk to block the sun’s light, replicating the effect of a natural eclipse, while the other will carry a telescope to observe the sun’s corona. This technological feat will be achieved using GPS, lasers, star trackers, and radio links to ensure autonomous operation. Experts from the European Space Agency have emphasized the importance of this mission for studying solar activity and mitigating the effects of geomagnetic storms on Earth. Data collection is expected to begin by March, providing valuable insights for researchers and demonstrating the potential of high-precision satellite technology.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever seen a solar eclipse? If so, what did you notice? If not, would you like to see one? Why or why not?
- Have you learned about the sun in science class? If so, what was the most surprising fact? If not, what do you think is interesting about it?
- Do you agree that studying the sun’s corona is important for understanding the Earth’s environment?
- How could extended observation of the sun’s corona benefit people on Earth?
- Why do you think scientists choose to create artificial eclipses instead of waiting for natural ones?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- satellite
- last
- mysterious
- telescope
- autonomous