Solar System

Question 1

a cloud of gas and dust in outer space that’s visible in the night sky

Answer 1

nebula

Question 2

cloud made from a collection of dust and gas

Answer 2

solar nebula

Question 3

a nuclear reaction in which atomic nuclei of low atomic number fuse to form a heavier nucleus with the release of energy

Answer 3

nuclear fusion

Question 4

a spot or patch appearing from time to time on the sun’s surface that’s appearing dark by contrast with its surroundings

Answer 4

sunspot

Question 5

composed primarily of silicate rocks or metals

Answer 5

terrestrial planets

Question 6

having a rotational or orbital movement that is the same as most bodies within a celestial system

Answer 6

prograde rotation

Question 7

orbital or rotational motion of an object in the direction opposite the rotation of its primary

Answer 7

retrograde rotation

Question 8

a large planet of relatively low density consisting predominantly of hydrogen and helium

Answer 8

gas giant

Question 9

an artificial body placed in orbit around the earth or moon or another planet in order to collect information or for communication

Answer 9

satellite

Question 10

the phase of the moon when it is in conjunction with the sun and invisible from earth or shortly thereafter when it appears as a slender crescent

Answer 10

new moon

Question 11

moon is less than one-half illuminated by the sun but less than one quarter illuminated it occurs when the moon’s illumination is increasing

Answer 11

waxing crescent

Question 12

moon phase when we can see exactly half of the Moon’s surface illuminated

Answer 12

1st quarter moon

Question 13

any moon that appears more than half lighted but less than full

Answer 13

waxing gibbous

Question 14

when the moon is all the way around a circle

Answer 14

full moon

Question 15

just after full moon, when the face of the Moon is 100% illuminated and the intermediate phase called Waning Gibbous Moon starts it is getting smaller

Answer 15

waning gibbous

Question 16

approximately one week after a full moon when half of the moon’s disk is illuminated by the sun

Answer 16

last quarter moon

Question 17

occurs when the moon’s illumination is decreasing Waning Crescent the moon is less than one-half illuminated by the sun but less than one quarter illuminated

Answer 17

waning crescent

Question 18

an eclipse in which the sun is obscured by the moon

Answer 18

solar eclipse

Question 19

an eclipse in which the moon appears darkened as it passes into the earth’s shadow

Answer 19

lunar eclipse

Question 20

a celestial object consisting of a nucleus of ice and dust and when near the sun a “tail” of gas and dust particles pointing away from the sun

Answer 20

comet

Question 21

a small rocky body orbiting the sun

Answer 21

asteroid

Question 22

region of the solar system between the orbits of the planets Mars and Jupiter most asteroids are found in the asteroid belt

Answer 22

asteroid belt

Question 23

a small body moving in the solar system that would become a meteor if it entered the earth’s atmosphere

Answer 23

meteoroid

Question 24

a meteor that survives its passage through the earth’s atmosphere such that part of it strikes the ground

Answer 24

meteoroite

Question 25

a small body of matter from outer space that enters the earth’s atmosphere becoming incandescent as a result of friction and appearing as a streak of light

Answer 25

meteor