Space definitions Flashcards
What is the scientific method?
POE
Predict, Observe, Explain
Astronomy
The study of space
Celestial Object
A natural object which is located outside of the Earth’s atmosphere.
Difference between Universe and universe?
Universe- Whole universe
universe- known universe
What are the three requirements of a planet?
- In orbit around a sun
- Is nearly round in shape
- Dominates its orbit
Solar system
A group of planets and other bodies that revolve around a star
Orbit
A regular, repeating path that one celestial object takes around another one.
Galaxy
A system of millions/billionsof stars, together with gas and dust, held together bygravitationalattraction.
Sunspots
Temporary spots on the sun’s surface that appear darker than surrounding area
Solar flares
A brieferuptionof intense high-energy radiation from the sun’s surface, associated withsunspots
Dwarf planet
A celestial object with a nearly spherical orbit that doesn’t dominate its orbit
Asteroid
A small rocky Celestial object that orbits the Sun
Comet
Celestial bodies made up of rocks, dust and water ice that have large elliptical orbits
Light Year
A way to measure astronomical distance, equivalent to the distance light travels in one year
Nebula
An enormous cloud of dust and gas occupying the space between stars and acting as a nursery for new stars
