Space Explorer
Build foundations in the solar system, stars, galaxies and exploration.
ASTRAVYR SPACE ACADEMYThe Universe Is
The Universe Is
Your Classroom.
Discover space science, explore extraordinary night skies and help protect the natural darkness above us. Free astronomy learning for curious minds around the world.
FREE DIGITAL LEARNING · NO STUDENT ACCOUNTS · NO PURCHASE REQUIREDChoose your next adventureStart a 7-Day Challenge NZ Dark Sky Atlas Explore tonight’s reference sky Help real astronomy research Free teaching resources
01 / LEARNING DIVISIONS
Explore a universe
of possibility.
Six complementary areas of astronomy, observation, technology, teaching and scientific discovery.
Observatory Academy
Learn telescope operation, safe observing and observatory choices.
Space Technology Lab
Discover satellites, orbits, sensors and space-science systems.
Schools & Educators
Classroom lessons, printable investigations and teaching guidance.
Citizen Science
Learn how to contribute to established public research projects.
Space Futures
Explore study routes and emerging space-related careers.
02 / MISSION CONTROL
Learn, explore, observe.
COSMIC SCALE · MISSION 01 · 15 MIN
Our Place in the Universe
Find our place among the planets, stars and galaxies.
Learning goals
Explain the difference between a solar system and a galaxy
Recognise a light-year as a unit of distance
Our cosmic address
Earth is one planet orbiting the Sun. The Sun is one star in the Milky Way, a galaxy containing many stars. Galaxies are separated by enormous distances, and the observable universe contains many galaxies.
Distance changes how we observe
We measure nearby solar-system distances in kilometres or astronomical units. One astronomical unit is roughly the average Earth–Sun distance. A light-year is the distance light travels in a year: a unit of distance, not time.
Practical mission
Draw four nested labels: Earth, Solar System, Milky Way and observable universe. Add one sentence explaining the scale difference.
KNOWLEDGE CHECK
What is a light-year?
03 / AOTEAROA'S DARK-SKY PATHWAY
New Zealand's
night-sky future.
Learn from the Aoraki Mackenzie reserve, Aotea and Rakiura sanctuaries, and Kaikōura's conservation-led dark-sky protection.