Off-the-shelf Masterclass: Satellite vision

About this Masterclass

From the dazzling images of distant galaxies captured by space telescopes to the everyday snapshots on our phones, images are more than just pictures – they are data. But how does a satellite or telescope “see” space? Unlike our eyes, they don’t capture light in the same way; instead, they collect information in pixels, which scientists translate into stunning, detailed images. 

In this session, students will explore how digital images are made, how resolution affects what we see, and how colours are assigned to reveal hidden detail in space. By becoming image processers, they will uncover how telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) transform invisible light into breath-taking cosmic portraits. 

Length: 90 mins +

Note: Worksheets and supporting documents are provided in .docx format as well as pdf format, to enable adaptations. These should be opened in desktop versions of word processing software to preserve formatting and layout.

Resources needed

• 1 copy of Worksheets 1 and 2 per student
• 1 copy of Worksheet 3a per pair

• Laptops, computers, or tablets with internet access (Google Chrome and Safari are currently both supported), 1 per student ideally

  Optional:

• 1 copy of Worksheet 3b per pair

• Coloured light filters (3D glasses also work well)

  If students will be making their own light spinner:

• 1 copy of Light Spinner instructions per pair
• 1 copy of the Light Spinner template per student
• Scissors
• Glue sticks
• String (enough for 60cm per student)
• Card or cardboard
• Colouring pencils (red, light blue, blue, green, yellow, and purple colours required).