Earth And Space Flashcards

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1
Q

Astronomy

A

The area of science that looks at 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 hypotheses 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 seem to be grouped forming images in the sky// there are 88 constellations covering the entire sky

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13
Q

Ecliptic plane

A

Plane of Earths orbit around the Sun// from our point of view is the Sun who travels around the ecliptic-not quite a circle it’s an eclipse (squashed circle)

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14
Q

Asteroid

A

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.

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15
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.

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16
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.

17
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.

18
Q

Moon

A

A natural satellite that orbits a planet

19
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.

20
Q

Sun

A

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

21
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.

22
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 is made up of carbon dioxide, dust and water vapour. The tail is made up of gas and dust produced by the nucleus.

23
Q

Terrestrial planets

A

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

24
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.

25
Q

Gravity

A

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

26
Q

Force field

A

A region in space where an object feels a force.