Space probes — Astronomy, 4–6 years
A space probe is a robot sent to explore faraway places. It can take pictures, measure things and send its findings back to people on Earth.
A robot explorer
A space probe travels without people inside it. Its cameras and instruments look, listen or measure, while a computer helps it follow instructions in a place too far or dangerous for humans.
Why send a probe?
People cannot safely visit every world, and some journeys take years. A probe solves this problem by going in our place and bringing back measurements that eyes on Earth cannot make.
Following a probe’s message
Suppose a probe sends two pictures and three temperature readings. Scientists receive five pieces of information in all: 2 + 3 = 5. They use them together to learn both what the place looks like and how cold it is.
A common mix-up
A probe may look clever because it turns or takes a picture, but it is not making choices like a person. People write instructions, and the probe uses its computer and instruments to carry them out.
Probes outside school
Space probes have flown past planets, landed on rocky worlds and visited asteroids. Their pictures and measurements help scientists understand places that are too distant for a person to reach now.
Keep exploring
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