Blasting Off to NASA Careers: How AR Boosts an Interest in Astronomy for your Students

Gazing into the vast expanse of the night sky naturally ignites a spark of awe and wonder. For many students, that spark ignites a dream of exploring the cosmos as an astronomer, aerospace engineer, or astronaut at NASA.

With Merge EDU, a hands-on augmented reality (AR) tool for K-12th grade, you can bring space science to life right in the classroom, turning abstract concepts into hands-on experiences that prepare learners for the exciting world of space exploration.

Formed by Gravity

A few billion years ago, our solar system was just a cloud of dust and gases loosely held together by gravity. In this visualization, you will watch how gravity pulled those gases and debris together to slowly form the sun and planets we see today. Watch events that took millions of years unfold before your eyes! You can also fast-forward or rewind by holding down the time marker and moving it forward or back. Which planet or planets were the last to take shape?

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Our Cosmic Neighborhood

Just like the street you live on is part of a larger neighborhood, our solar system is also just a small piece of a larger cosmic neighborhood. Tap to go from what we call the

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Making the Solar System Tangible

Traditional textbooks and videos are essential, but they often fall short when it comes to visualizing the vastness of our solar system. Merge EDU changes that:

• Hold Planets in Your Hand: Using Merge Explorer or Object Viewer with the Merge Cube, students can “hold” the planets and even zoom in to see details like surface terrain or atmospheric layers. This direct engagement helps students better grasp scale and the unique characteristics of each celestial body.
• Dynamic Planetary Models: Students can view orbital movements in an interactive AR environment. Seeing how the Earth revolves around the Sun—and how that movement affects seasons—helps learners master core astronomy concepts without leaving the classroom.

Real NASA Data at Their Fingertips

One of the most powerful tools in Merge EDU is the Merge HoloGlobe app, which offers real-time and historical satellite data from NASA and NOAA:

The Crab Nebula on the Merge Cube: A New Way to Explore the Cosmos

Using augmented reality and spectral data, astronomers have reconstructed the three-dimensional structure of the Crab Nebula, giving us a closer look at this celestial wonder.

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• Visualize Earth’s Systems: Learners can examine global weather patterns, ocean currents, and storm systems in the palm of their hand. This fosters an understanding of Earth science and climate research, both of which are critical areas for NASA’s Earth-observing missions.
• Inspiring Future Scientists and Engineers: Once students realize they can view satellite data—just like real NASA scientists—they’re more likely to see themselves working in research, mission control, or even designing satellite instruments. It’s a tangible pathway to a wide range of STEM-related NASA careers, from satellite technology to environmental science.

Clouds: 7-Day Cloud Forecast

This animation shows clouds forecast for the next several days. You can use the controls to pause the animation and to go backward and forward in the forecast.

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Satellites: Polar Orbiting Satellites

Polar orbiting satellites such as this one, Suomi-NPP, orbit the Earth in an almost north-south orbit, passing close to both poles. These satellites have an altitude about 700-800 km above the Earth’s surface. Suomi completes 15 orbits in one 24 hour day. This enables the craft to obtain data for the entire globe each day. The red grid light shows the approximate surface area covered by the VIIRS instrument onboard the satellite.

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Bringing the Cosmos Into Your Classroom

From planetary geology to astrophysics, the library of science simulations can be integrated into your curriculum for even greater impact:

• Standards-Aligned Lessons: Merge EDU’s content is aligned with individual state and NGSS science standards for kinder - 12th grade. Educators can effortlessly incorporate AR-based astronomy and space exploration activities into lesson plans, labs, and school-wide STEM events.

Inspiring Tomorrow’s NASA Workforce

Many of NASA’s engineers, scientists, and explorers first developed their interest in space science at a young age. By integrating Merge EDU into your astronomy lessons, you’re giving students a sense of wonder and achievement that can shape their future.

• Early Exposure to Advanced Tools: NASA careers rely heavily on cutting-edge technology. Students who regularly use augmented reality to explore space science gain digital fluency—an invaluable advantage as they progress to more advanced research or engineering studies.
• Transforming Curiosity into Career Pathways: When learners discover how satellites monitor Earth’s climate or explore outer planets, they can begin charting a path from the classroom to real NASA missions. Merge EDU lays the foundation for connecting big dreams to tangible goals.

Ready to Ignite the Next Generation of Space Explorers?

Whether students dream of walking on Mars or programming satellites in mission control, Merge EDU provides interactive, hands-on experiences that spark genuine passion for space and science. By blending AR exploration with rigorous learning standards, Merge EDU helps classrooms reach for the stars—and prepares students for the limitless possibilities of NASA careers.

Want to learn more? Visit mergeedu.com to explore how Merge EDU can elevate your astronomy curriculum and set your learners on a trajectory toward exciting futures in space exploration!