Earth And Space

Question 1

Astronomy

Answer 1

The area of science that looks at the universe and everything in it.

Question 2

Geocentric

Answer 2

A theory of the structure of the solar system in which the Earth was thought to be at the centre.

Question 3

Heliocentric

Answer 3

A theory of the structure of the solar system where the Sun is at the centre.

Question 4

Universe

Answer 4

Everything that exists, including planets, stars, galaxies and all forms of matter and energy.

Question 5

Big Bang

Answer 5

Most scientists believe that the universe began with an explosion - the Big Bang - about 14 billion years ago.

Question 6

Galaxy

Answer 6

A large group of stars, dust, gas and dark matter held together by gravity.

Question 7

Antimatter

Answer 7

The mirror image of matter. Every particle of matter has a corresponding particle of antimatter. When they meet they destroy each other and are converted into pure energy.

Question 8

Hypothesis

Answer 8

Collection of ideas that seem to explain what is observed -> predictions can be tested.

Question 9

Models

Answer 9

Describes reality based on hypothesis that have withstood observational and experimental tests -> explains with mathematics properties and behaviors of some object or phenomenon

Question 10

Theory

Answer 10

Series of well-tested hypotheses that together form a self-consistent and accurate description of nature -> capable of making predictions that can be tested and verified by anyone

Question 11

Laws

Answer 11

Proven theories that have stood the test of time and have broad applicability

Question 12

Constellation

Answer 12

images formed in the sky by stars -> 88 constellations covering the entire sky.

Question 13

Ecliptic plane

Answer 13

Plane of Earths orbit around the Sun. The orbit isn’t quite a circle it’s an eclipse (squashed circle).

Question 14

Asteroid

Answer 14

Asteroids are lumps of rock that orbit the Sun. They are too small to be classified as planets. Thought to be left over from the time of the formation of the Universe. The asteroid belt lies between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

Question 15

Celestial body

Answer 15

Any natural body outside of the Earth’s atmosphere. There are various celestial bodies, including planets, stars, moons, comets and asteroids.

Question 16

Planet

Answer 16

An object that is in orbit around a star, has sufficient mass to assume a nearly round shape, and has become gravitationally dominant. This means that it can clear the space debris in its orbit.

Question 17

Moon

Answer 17

A natural satellite that orbits a planet.

Question 18

Star

Answer 18

A ball of heat radiating gas that is held together by gravity. Stars contain mostly hydrogen as well as helium and smaller amounts of other elements.

Question 19

Sun

Answer 19

The star that lights and heats our planet. The Sun is powered by a fusion reaction at its core

Question 20

Light-year

Answer 20

The star that lights and heats our planet. The Sun is powered by a fusion reaction at its core

Question 21

Comet

Answer 21

A celestial body that orbits the Sun, made up of a nucleus, a coma and one or more tails. The nucleus of a comet is made up of dust and ice. The coma (a fuzzy outline or atmosphere caused by the Sun’s radiation) is made up of carbon dioxide, dust and water vapour. The tail is made up of gas and dust produced by the nucleus.

Question 22

Terrestrial planets

Answer 22

Planets made up of rock. In our solar system, the terrestrial planets are the four inner planets.

Question 23

Gas Giants

Answer 23

The outer planets in our solar system are called gas giants because they are mainly made of gases hydrogen and helium.

Question 24

Gravity

Answer 24

A non-contact force of attraction between objects. There is a gravitational pull between all masses.

Question 25

Force Field

Answer 25

A region in space where an object feels a force.

Question 26

Celestial body

Answer 26

Any natural body outside of the Earth’s atmosphere. There are various celestial bodies, including planets, stars, moons, comets and asteroids.

Question 27

Planet

Answer 27

An object that is in orbit around a star, has sufficient mass to assume a nearly round shape, and has become gravitationally dominant. This means that it can clear the space debris in its orbit.

Question 28

Moon

Answer 28

A natural satellite that orbits a planet.

Question 29

Star

Answer 29

A ball of heat radiating gas that is held together by gravity. Stars contain mostly hydrogen as well as helium and smaller amounts of other elements.

Question 30

Sun

Answer 30

The star that lights and heats our planet. The Sun is powered by a fusion reaction at its core

Question 31

Light-year

Answer 31

The star that lights and heats our planet. The Sun is powered by a fusion reaction at its core

Question 32

Comet

Answer 32

A celestial body that orbits the Sun, made up of a nucleus, a coma and one or more tails. The nucleus of a comet is made up of dust and ice. The coma (a fuzzy outline or atmosphere caused by the Sun’s radiation) is made up of carbon dioxide, dust and water vapour. The tail is made up of gas and dust produced by the nucleus.

Question 33

Terrestrial planets

Answer 33

Planets made up of rock. In our solar system, the terrestrial planets are the four inner planets.

Question 34

Gas Giants

Answer 34

The outer planets in our solar system are called gas giants because they are mainly made of gases hydrogen and helium.

Question 35

Gravity

Answer 35

A non-contact force of attraction between objects. There is a gravitational pull between all masses.

Question 36

Force Field

Answer 36

A region in space where an object feels a force.