1 / 104
Suggested terms: Steve Embry, I'm Barbara Klein, Explorations, VOA Special English
Click one for hint, twice for full word
open its doors
Meaning: To officially open a place for the public.
Example: The Adler Planetarium opened its doors to the public in 1930.
a blaze of glory
Meaning: A spectacular or impressive display.
Example: A large star dies in a blaze of glory called a supernova.
point out
Meaning: To show or draw attention to something.
Example: The astronomer pointed out the Big Dipper in the night sky.
front row, center
Meaning: Having the best or closest view of something.
Example: Swift’s instruments have a front row, center view of gamma-ray bursts in space.
come together
Meaning: To combine or unite to form something complete.
Example: Many experts came together to create the Black Holes planetarium movie.
planetarium
IPA (UK): /ˌplæn.ɪˈteə.ri.əm/
IPA (US): /ˌplæn.əˈter.i.əm/
Meaning: A theater with a domed ceiling where images of stars and planets are projected.
Meaning: A theater with a domed ceiling where images of stars and planets are projected.
Example: Many museums and universities have their own planetariums.
constellation
IPA (UK): /ˌkɒn.stəˈleɪ.ʃən/
IPA (US): /ˌkɑːn.stəˈleɪ.ʃən/
Meaning: A group of stars forming a recognizable pattern.
Meaning: A group of stars forming a recognizable pattern.
Example: The Big Dipper is one of the most famous constellations in the northern sky.
supernova
IPA (UK): /ˌsuː.pəˈnəʊ.və/
IPA (US): /ˌsuː.pɚˈnoʊ.və/
Meaning: A powerful explosion marking the death of a massive star.
Meaning: A powerful explosion marking the death of a massive star.
Example: A supernova can briefly outshine an entire galaxy.
gamma rays
IPA (UK): /ˈɡæm.ə reɪz/
IPA (US): /ˈɡæm.ə reɪz/
Meaning: High‑energy electromagnetic radiation produced by cosmic events.
Meaning: High‑energy electromagnetic radiation produced by cosmic events.
Example: Swift’s instruments detect gamma rays from distant space explosions.
astronomy
IPA (UK): /əˈstrɒn.ə.mi/
IPA (US): /əˈstrɑː.nə.mi/
Meaning: The scientific study of stars, planets, and the universe.
Meaning: The scientific study of stars, planets, and the universe.
Example: Planetariums help teach astronomy to people of all ages.
Other Listening Exercises
About Planetariums
In progressB2 · 14:45