6.1 (Term 2) Flashcards
Learning Intentions Recall the terminology and objects of the universe- sun, planets, orbits, solar system, galaxy, moons, stars, black hole Describe the objects of the universe- universe, sun, planets, orbits, solar system, galaxy, moons, stars, black hole Success Criteria Describe the hierarchy of the universe and components within Describe the objects of the universe Explain how the solar system is heliocentric Identify the types of galaxies
What is the hierarchy of the universe from largest to smallest?
Universe → Galaxies → Solar Systems → Planets, Dwarf Planets, Moons, Asteroids, Meteors, Space Debris.
What is a heliocentric solar system?
A heliocentric solar system is a model in which the Sun (Sol) is at the center, and all planets orbit around it.
What are the 8 planets in order from the Sun?
Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.
What are the 5 dwarf planets in order from the Sun?
Ceres, Pluto, Haumea, Makemake, Eris.
What are the three criteria for an object to be classified as a planet?
-It must orbit a host star.
-It must be mostly round in shape.
-It must be big enough that its gravity has cleared away other objects of similar size near its orbit (this is why Pluto is classified as a dwarf planet).
How many moons are there approximately in our solar system?
There are approximately 300 moons in our solar system.
What is the definition of a moon?
A moon is an object that orbits a planet rather than the sun; it is also known as a natural satellite.
What is special about Earth’s moon, Luna?
Luna is the largest moon for any of the rocky planets in our solar system.
What other objects, besides moons, can be found floating in space?
Asteroids, meteors, and space debris can also be found in space.
What is a galaxy?
A galaxy is a concentration of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter held together by gravity, coming in various shapes and sizes.
What are the three major categories of galaxy shapes?
Elliptical, spiral, and irregular.
What type of galaxy is the Milky Way?
The Milky Way is a spiral galaxy.
How many galaxies are estimated to exist in the observable universe?
There are billions of galaxies in the observable universe.
What do all galaxies, including the Milky Way, have at their centers?
All galaxies are thought to have supermassive black holes at their centers.
What is a black hole?
A black hole is an area of immense gravity from which nothing, not even light, can escape.
