Constellations, Comets, Meteors, and Asteroids Flashcards
a group of stars in the sky that forms a pattern
constellation
aids in locating newly discovered celestial objects
constellation
What are the two factors that impacts the way we view constellations
Earth’s Rotation
Earth’s Orbit
located close to the celestial pole
Polaris (North Star)
stars surrounding a celestial pole
circumpolar stars
patterns
circumpolar constellations
makes it appear as though the constellations move across the sky throughout the night
Diurnal motion
constellations gradually shift west due to earth’s revolution around the sun
Annual motion
irregularly shaped spaced rocks that are made up of metal or minerals
Asteroids
considered leftovers from the formation of the solar system
asteroids
Where are asteroids located
between the orbits of mars and jupiter
within the asteroid belt
small chunks or lumps of ice and rocks
comets
Where do comets travel
on paths beyond the solar system
heavenly bodies
meteors, meteorite, meteoroids
shooting stars
meteors
