Earth and space Flashcards

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1
Q

Astronomy

A

The study of the universe and everything in it

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2
Q

Geocentric

A

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

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3
Q

Heliocentric

A

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

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4
Q

Universe

A

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

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5
Q

Big Bang

A

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

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6
Q

Galaxy

A

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

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7
Q

Antimatter

A

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.

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8
Q

Hypothesis

A

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

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9
Q

Models

A

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

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10
Q

Theory

A

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

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11
Q

Laws

A

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

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12
Q

Constellation

A

Some stars are grouped together there are eighty eight groups

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13
Q

Ecliptic plane

A

Plane of earths orbit around the sun (squashed circle)

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14
Q

Terrestrial planets

A

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

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15
Q

Gas giants

A

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

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16
Q

Gravity

A

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

17
Q

Force field

A

A region in space where an object feels a force.

18
Q

Solar system

A

Our solar system includes the Sun and all the objects that orbit around it due to its gravity, including the Earth.

19
Q

Celestial body

A

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

20
Q

Planet

A

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.

21
Q

Moon

A

A natural satellite that orbits a planet.

22
Q

Star

A

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.

23
Q

Sun

A

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

24
Q

Light-year

A

The distance that light travels in one year. Light-years are often used in astronomy to describe the distance to faraway stars and galaxies.

25
Q

Asteroid

A

Lumps of rock that orbit the Sun but are too small to be classified as planets. There are three types of asteroids, divided based on what they are made up of:
C-type asteroids are made up of carbon compounds;
S-type asteroids are made up of stony material;
M-type asteroids are mostly made of metals, such as iron.

26
Q

Comet

A

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.

27
Q

The Big Bang

A

It started as small thing the size of a mm and it had the energy of a supercharged black hole and it exploded and caused the Big Bang