Space Flashcards
Orbit
the circular or elliptical path of an object as it revolves around another object
Solar System
a system of objects that revolve around a star
Galaxy
a group of solar systems, dust, and gas held together by gravity; our solar system is part of the Milky Way galaxy
Universe
everything that exists in, on and around the Earth
Satellite
a natural or artificial object that revolves around another object in space
Impact Crater
a crater on a planet or moon caused by the impact of a meteorite or other object, typically circular with a raised rim.
Rotation
the spinning of a celestial body, such as a planet, around an axis
Revolution
the orbiting of an object around another object
Season
a period of the year determined by the position of Earth as it revolves around the sun
Equinox
the twice-a-year occurrence during which Earth’s axis is perpendicular (at a 90 angle) to a line joining the Sun and Earth’s center
Solstice
the twice-a-year occurrence during which the Sun appears at the highest point in the sky as seen from the North or South Pole
Mare
DescriptionThe lunar maria are large, dark, basaltic plains on Earth’s Moon, formed by ancient volcanic eruptions.
Eclipse
an event whereby one astronomical body passes between two other astronomical bodies
Umbra
the fully shaded inner region of a shadow cast by an opaque object, especially the area on the earth or moon experiencing the total phase of an eclipse.
Penumbra
the partially shaded outer region of the shadow cast by an opaque object.