Fc Flashcards
The path of an object in space as it moves around another object due to gravity _
Orbit
The Sun and its family of orbiting planets and moons and other objects. _
Solar system
Millions and billions of stars held together in a group by their own gravity. _
Galaxy
Space and all the matter and energy in it. _
Universe
An object that orbits a more massive object. _
Satellite
A round pit left behind on the surface of a planet after a smaller object strikes the surface_
Impact crater
An imaginary line about which a turning body such as Earth rotates _
Rotation
The motion of one body around another, such as the Earth in its orbit around the Sun _
Revolution
One of a pattern of temperature changes and other weather trends over the course of a year _
Season
In an orbit, a position and time in which sun shines equally on both hemispheres. _
Equinox
In an orbit, a position and time during which one hemisphere receives the maximum sunlight _
Solstice
A large dark plain of solidified lava on the moon
Mare
An event during which one object in space casts a shadow onto another _
Eclipse
The dark central region of a shadow such as the cone of complete shadow cast by an object _
Umbra
A region of lighter shadow that may surround a dark central region. _
Penumbra
Average distance from the sun which is 93,000,000 miles _
Astronomical Unit (AU)
An oval or flattened circle. _
Ellipse
A planet that has a rocky surface. _
Terrestrial planet
A large planet that consists mostly of gases in a dense form _
Gas Giant
A small solid rocky body that orbits the Sun. _
Asteroid
A body that produces a coma of gas and dust, a small icy body that orbits the Sun _
Comet
A brief streak of light produced by a particle entering Earth’s atmosphere at high speed. _
Meteor
A small object from outer space that passes through Earth’s atmosphere and reaches the surface.
Meteorite
Earth-centered theory of the solar system.
Geocentric
