Satellites: Eyes in the Sky

Lexile: 920 | Grade: 6

Passage

Every day, satellites orbit Earth, silently gathering information. Some help us find directions on our phones, while others track weather patterns or study space. But many people don’t realize how important satellites are for understanding our own planet.

A **satellite** is a machine sent into space to travel around Earth. Some are close to Earth, while others orbit much farther away. These machines carry tools that collect data about weather, land, oceans, and even forest fires.

For example, satellites can take pictures of storm systems from high above. These images help meteorologists predict hurricanes and warn people before they strike. Satellites also monitor changes in sea levels and the temperature of oceans, giving scientists clues about climate change.

Satellites can detect illegal fishing boats or measure how much ice is melting in polar regions. In places where people cannot easily go—like the middle of the ocean or remote mountains—satellites provide valuable information.

Even though satellites are high above us, they affect our lives in many ways. They help us prepare for disasters, protect the environment, and learn more about the changing Earth.

As technology continues to improve, satellites will become even more powerful tools. They are our eyes in the sky, helping us see the big picture—one orbit at a time.

Questions

Q1: Which sentence best describes what this passage is mostly about?

  • A. Satellites are used to explore planets beyond Earth.
  • B. Satellites are machines that help us learn about Earth from space.
  • C. Satellites are too expensive for most countries to use.
  • D. Satellites should only be used for weather predictions.

Q2: How do satellites help with natural disasters?

  • A. They tell people how to build safer homes.
  • B. They take pictures and collect data to help predict storms and warn people.
  • C. They stop hurricanes from forming.
  • D. They move people away from danger zones.

Q3: What does the word 'orbit' mean in the sentence 'Some help us find directions on our phones, while others track weather patterns or study space'?

  • A. To float without moving
  • B. To crash into a planet
  • C. To travel around a planet or object in space
  • D. To break apart into small pieces

Q4: Why are satellites useful in remote areas?

  • A. They can send robots to take samples.
  • B. They let scientists talk to people in those areas.
  • C. They can gather information where humans can’t easily go.
  • D. They help people travel faster in those regions.

Q5: Which of the following is an example of a satellite helping scientists study climate change?

  • A. Measuring sea level and ocean temperature over time
  • B. Helping someone find their way to school
  • C. Watching astronauts on the moon
  • D. Broadcasting music to phones and radios

Printable Comprehension Practice

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Answers & Reasoning

Q1: Which sentence best describes what this passage is mostly about?

✅ Correct Answer: B

💡 Reasoning: The passage explains what satellites are and how they help us understand Earth’s weather, climate, and geography.

Q2: How do satellites help with natural disasters?

✅ Correct Answer: B

💡 Reasoning: The passage explains that satellites track storm systems and help meteorologists warn people in advance.

Q3: What does the word 'orbit' mean in the sentence 'Some help us find directions on our phones, while others track weather patterns or study space'?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: In context, 'orbit' refers to satellites circling around Earth while collecting data.

Q4: Why are satellites useful in remote areas?

✅ Correct Answer: C

💡 Reasoning: The passage explains that satellites are especially valuable in places that are hard to reach, such as mountains or oceans.

Q5: Which of the following is an example of a satellite helping scientists study climate change?

✅ Correct Answer: A

💡 Reasoning: The passage mentions that satellites track sea levels and ocean temperatures to help scientists understand climate change.