Astronomy Flashcards

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1
Q

What is a planet and what are its characteristics?

A

A planet is an object in orbit around a star with three important characteristics:

  • it has a mass large enough for its own gravity to give it a round shape
  • it has no fusion reactions
  • it has cleared its orbit of most other objects
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2
Q

What is the definition of a planetary satellites? Give two examples.

A

A body in orbit around a planet, such s moons and man-made satellites.

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3
Q

What is the definition of a comet?

A

Small irregular bodies made up of ice, dust and small pieces of rock which orbit the Sun with highly eccentric elliptical orbits.

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4
Q

What are solar systems?

A

A collection of planets and their moons orbiting a sun

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5
Q

What is a galaxy?

A

A galaxy is a collection of stars, and interstellar dust and gas.

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