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Science > Space > Flashcards

Space Flashcards

1
Q

What is a lunar eclipse?

A

An event where the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Earth’s shadow to cover the Moon.

A lunar eclipse can be total, partial, or penumbral.

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2
Q

What is a solar eclipse?

A

An event where the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, blocking the Sun’s light either partially or totally.

Solar eclipses can be total, partial, or annular.

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3
Q

Define geosynchronous.

A

A satellite orbiting the Earth at the same rotational speed as the Earth.

This allows the satellite to remain in a fixed position relative to the Earth’s surface.

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4
Q

What is a low orbit satellite?

A

A satellite that orbits the Earth at a relatively low altitude, typically between 160 to 2,000 kilometers.

These satellites are often used for Earth observation and communications.

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5
Q

What causes atmosphere distortion of telescopes?

A

Variations in the Earth’s atmosphere that affect the clarity and quality of astronomical images.

This distortion can lead to effects such as twinkling stars.

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6
Q

What is interferometry?

A

A technique that combines signals from multiple telescopes to improve resolution and detect faint astronomical objects.

This method is used in radio and optical astronomy.

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7
Q

List the planets of the solar system in the correct order.

A
  • Mercury
  • Venus
  • Earth
  • Mars
  • Jupiter
  • Saturn
  • Uranus
  • Neptune

This order is based on their distance from the Sun.

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8
Q

What is space junk?

A

Debris from defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and other fragments orbiting the Earth.

Space junk poses risks to operational spacecraft and satellites.

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9
Q

What are the properties and functions of outer planets?

A
  • Gas giants
  • Thick atmospheres
  • Many moons
  • Rings

The outer planets include Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

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10
Q

What are the properties and functions of inner planets?

A
  • Rocky surfaces
  • Smaller size
  • Fewer moons
  • Closer to the Sun

The inner planets include Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.

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11
Q

Define geocentric.

A

A model of the universe where the Earth is at the center and all celestial bodies revolve around it.

This model was historically accepted before the heliocentric model.

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12
Q

Define heliocentric.

A

A model of the universe where the Sun is at the center and the planets, including Earth, revolve around it.

This model was proposed by Copernicus.

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13
Q

What are the types of telescopes?

A
  • Refracting telescopes
  • Reflecting telescopes
  • Catadioptric telescopes

Each type uses different optical systems to gather and focus light.

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14
Q

What is azimuth?

A

The angle of an object in the horizontal plane, measured clockwise from the North.

It is used in navigation and astronomy to specify the direction of celestial objects.

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15
Q

What is altitude in astronomy?

A

The angle of an object above the observer’s horizon.

It is usually measured in degrees.

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16
Q

Who made telescopes?

A

Hans Lippershey, Galileo Galilei, and Isaac Newton are notable figures in the development of telescopes.

Each contributed to the advancement of telescope technology.

17
Q

Describe the relationship between the universe, galaxy, solar system, and planet.

A
  • Universe: All of space and its contents
  • Galaxy: A large system of stars and matter
  • Solar System: A star and its orbiting planets
  • Planet: A celestial body orbiting a star

These terms describe different scales of cosmic structure.

18
Q

What is the difference between reflecting and refracting telescopes?

A
  • Reflecting telescopes use mirrors
  • Refracting telescopes use lenses

Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of image quality and design.

19
Q

What is red shift?

A

A phenomenon where light from an object moving away from an observer shifts to longer wavelengths.

It is used to determine the speed and distance of galaxies.

20
Q

What is blue shift?

A

A phenomenon where light from an object moving towards an observer shifts to shorter wavelengths.

It indicates that the object is approaching the observer.

21
Q

What is triangulation?

A

A method used to determine the location of an object by measuring angles from two known points.

This technique is commonly used in surveying and astronomy.

22
Q

What is parallax?

A

The apparent shift in position of an object when viewed from different angles.

It is used to measure distances to nearby stars.

23
Q

What is a light year?

A

The distance that light travels in one year, approximately 9.46 trillion kilometers.

It is a unit of measurement for astronomical distances.

24
Q

What does GPS stand for?

A

Global Positioning System.

It is a satellite-based navigation system.

25
Q

What is a shuttle satellite?

A

A satellite designed to transport cargo and crew to and from space.

Shuttle satellites are often used in missions to the International Space Station.

26
Q

What is a rover satellite?

A

A robotic spacecraft designed to explore the surface of other planets or moons.

Rovers are equipped with scientific instruments to gather data.

27
Q

What is the composition of stars determined by?

A

Spectral analysis.

This involves studying the light spectrum emitted or absorbed by stars.

28
Q

What are spectral lines?

A

Dark or bright lines in a spectrum that correspond to specific wavelengths of light absorbed or emitted by elements.

They are used to identify chemical compositions of stars.

29
Q

What is a continuous spectrum?

A

A spectrum that shows all colors of light without any gaps.

It is produced by solid, liquid, or densely packed gases.

30
Q

What is an absorption spectrum?

A

A spectrum that shows dark lines where light has been absorbed by elements in a cooler gas.

It provides clues about the composition of stars and their atmospheres.

31
Q

What is an emission spectrum?

A

A spectrum that shows bright lines where light is emitted by excited atoms.

It is used to identify the presence of specific elements in a star.

32
Q

What are telescopes with adapted optics?

A

Telescopes that use advanced optical technologies to improve image quality and reduce distortions.

These adaptations can include adaptive optics systems.

33
Q

What is the Doppler shift?

A

The change in frequency of a wave in relation to an observer moving relative to the wave source.

It is commonly observed in sound waves and light from celestial objects.

Science (5 decks)

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