Module 2: Exploring the Universe

Question 1

A region of space having a gravitational field so intense that no matter or even light can escape.

Answer 1

Black Hole

Question 2

The shape of a planet’s orbit, which is a stretched-out circle

Answer 2

Ellipse

Question 3

A galaxy that does not have an internal structure. They look like round or flattened balls and have little dust and gas between the stars.

Answer 3

Elliptical Galaxies

Question 4

huge collections of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity

Answer 4

Galaxies

Question 5

Earth-centered

Answer 5

Geocentric

Question 6

an invisible attractive force between all objects that have mass

Answer 6

Gravity

Question 7

sun-centered

Answer 7

Heliocentric

Question 8

A galaxy that does not have a regular shape. Many form from the gravitational pull of neighboring galaxies.

Answer 8

Irregular Galaxies

Question 9

The force of gravity between two objects depends on their masses and the distance between them

Answer 9

Law of universal gravitation

Question 10

a group of about 30 galaxies closest to the Milky Way

Answer 10

Local Group

Question 11

the amount of matter in something

Answer 11

Mass

Question 12

A spiral galaxy that contains our solar system

Answer 12

Milky Way

Question 13

The process where atoms combine and release large amounts of energy

Answer 13

Nuclear fusion

Question 14

To move around another object in a curved path

Answer 14

Orbit

Question 15

A cloud of dust and gas from which a solar system forms

Answer 15

Planetary nebula

Question 16

A condensed leftover material from a planetary nebula that eventually becomes a planet

Answer 16

Protoplanet

Question 17

A contracting region within a nebula that will eventually become a star

Answer 17

Protostar

Question 18

The Sun and eight planets that revolve around it

Answer 18

Solar system

Question 19

A type of galaxy where stars, gas, and dust exist in arms that spiral out from a central disk.

Answer 19

Spiral Galaxies

Question 20

An object in space made of gases in which nuclear fusion reactions occur that emit energy

Answer 20

Star

Question 21

A cloud of gas and dust where stars form

Answer 21

Stellar Nebula

Question 22

The largest object in our solar system that exerts the strongest pull of gravity

Answer 22

Sun

Question 23

the cluster of galaxy clusters in which the Milky Way is located. The Local Group is one of its members.

Answer 23

Virgo Supercluster

Question 24

the gravitational pull on a mass

Answer 24

Weight

Question 25

Inner Planets

Answer 25

Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars – made of solid, rocky materials

Question 26

Outer Planets

Answer 26

Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune – made of ice and gases

Question 27

A scientist who studies stars, planets, and other objects in space

Answer 27

astronomer

Question 28

a device shaped like a long tube that helps you see things that are far
away

Answer 28

telescope

Question 29

to identify the presence of something

Answer 29

detect

Question 30

Relating to light or the way we see things

Answer 30

optical

Question 31

A person who travels and works in space

Answer 31

astronaut

Question 32

The United States government agency responsible for most space missions and space-flight technology

Answer 32

National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA)

Question 33

International Space Station (ISS)

Answer 33

A large, artificial satellite that orbits Earth. It serves as an orbiting research laboratory.