1. What is an astrosphere?

2. What is the name of our Sun’s astrosphere?

3. What is the name of the young star in the article?

4. How old is HD 61005 compared to our Sun?

5. Why is the astrosphere around HD 61005 easier to see than the Sun’s?

6. What makes the wind from HD 61005 stronger than the Sun’s wind?

7. What does the heliosphere do for Earth?

8. Why do astronomers call this star system “the Moth”?

9. What tool did scientists use to see the astrosphere?

10. How can this discovery help scientists learn about the Sun’s past?

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Discussion questions

1. Do you think it is important that Earth has protection from space (like the heliosphere)? Why or why not?

2. How do you think life on Earth would change if there was no heliosphere?

3. The Sun was once younger and stronger. How do you think this affected Earth in the past?

4. Scientists study other stars to learn about our Sun. Do you think this is a good idea? Why?

5. HD 61005 has stronger winds than the Sun. Do you think stronger is always better? Why or why not?

6. The environment around a star can change its astrosphere. How does the environment affect things on Earth? Can you give examples?

7. Why do you think scientists use special telescopes (like X-ray telescopes) to study space?

8. The star system is called “the Moth” because of its shape. Do you think giving names like this is helpful? Why?

9. Would you like to study space or become an astronomer? Why or why not?

10. What is the most interesting thing you learned from this article? Why?