Stars vs. Planets: Identifying Objects in the Night Sky

Crash Course Kids

In this engaging episode of Crash Course Kids, host Sabrina Cruz takes students on an astronomical journey to distinguish true stars from other celestial objects that light up the night sky. The video begins by defining what a star actually is—a giant ball of gas producing its own light and energy—specifically using our Sun as the primary example. It then introduces common "imposters" that are frequently mistaken for stars, specifically planets, dwarf planets, and asteroids, explaining their key characteristics and how they differ from stars physically.