Space Exploration Flashcards
1
Q
What is one use of satellites in satellite communications?
A
Global television broadcasts
Satellites enable various services, including internet access and weather forecasting.
2
Q
What type of food was originally developed by NASA for astronauts?
A
Freeze-dried food
This food technology has become popular for camping and food storage.
3
Q
What medical technology was inspired by space-based technology?
A
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
The development of better imaging techniques was partly influenced by technologies used in space exploration.
4
Q
How did Canada’s indigenous people use the sky?
A
As a map, compass, clock, and calendar
The sky provided guidance for both practical endeavors and spiritual identity.
5
Q
What was the purpose of connecting land forms with the positions of stars?
A
To make extensive travel possible
This knowledge was passed down through generations among indigenous peoples.
6
Q
True or False: The sky was only used for practical navigation by Canada’s indigenous people.
A
False
The sky also played a significant role in spiritual identity.
7
Q
Fill in the blank: Satellites provide accurate location data for _______.
A
navigation, mapping, and timing
This functionality is essential for modern technology.
8
Q
What are the four terrestrial planets in our solar system?
A
Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars
Terrestrial planets are characterized by their solid surfaces and are composed primarily of rocks or metals.
9
Q
What defines a jovian planet?
A
Large systems of moons, ring systems, lack of solid surface
Jovian planets include Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.
10
Q
What is the only star in our solar system?
A
Sun
The Sun is the central star around which all planets orbit.
11
Q
What is a celestial body?
A
Any object beyond the Earth & visible in the night sky
This includes stars, planets, moons, and asteroids.
12
Q
What characterizes terrestrial planets?
A
Made up of rocks or metals with solid surfaces, molten heavy-metal cores, few moons, topological features
Topological features can include valleys, volcanoes, and craters.
13
Q
Fill in the blank: Objects in space which do not produce their own energy and orbit around a star are called _______.
A
planets
Planets can be terrestrial or jovian in nature.
14
Q
What are the four jovian planets?
A
Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune
Jovian planets are also referred to as gas giants (Jupiter, Saturn) and ice giants (Uranus, Neptune).
15
Q
True or False: Jovian planets have solid surfaces.
A
False
Jovian planets lack a solid surface and are primarily composed of gases and ices.
16
Q
What are the characteristics of terrestrial planets regarding their moons?
A
Few moons
In contrast, jovian planets have large systems of moons.
17
Q
What is the primary composition of terrestrial planets?
A
Rocks or metals
They are also characterized by their solid surfaces.
18
Q
What are the key topological features of terrestrial planets?
A
Valleys, volcanoes, craters
These features are indicative of geological activity.
19
Q
What model of the universe was created by Aristotle 2000 years ago?
A
Geocentric Model
The Geocentric Model places the Earth at the center of the universe.
20
Q
In the Geocentric Model, what do planets and stars do?
A
Orbit Earth in layers
Stars are considered to be in the outer layer.
21
Q
What is the term for the apparent daily motion of celestial bodies?
A
Apparent Daily Motion
This refers to how celestial bodies seem to move across the sky each day.
22
Q
What is Apparent Retrograde Motion?
A
Illusion that a planet is moving backwards across the sky from Earth
This phenomenon occurs due to the relative positions and motions of Earth and other planets.
23
Q
Who proposed the Heliocentric Model?
A
Copernicus
The Heliocentric Model suggests that the Sun is at the center of the universe.
24
Q
In the Heliocentric Model, what do planets do?
A
Revolve around the Sun while rotating
This model contrasts with the Geocentric Model.
25
What type of motion do planets follow in the Heliocentric Model?
Oval motions (ellipse)
## Footnote
This refers to the elliptical orbits of planets around the Sun.
26
What occurs during a lunar eclipse?
The Earth comes in between the sun and moon, blocking sunlight from the moon.
## Footnote
A lunar eclipse is visible to the night side of the world.
27
What are the two types of lunar eclipses?
Total and partial.
## Footnote
A lunar eclipse is safe to look at and makes the moon appear reddish-orange.
28
What happens during a solar eclipse?
The moon comes in between the Earth and sun, blocking sunlight from reaching the Earth.
## Footnote
A solar eclipse is visible by a small section of the Earth.
29
What is the visibility of a solar eclipse?
Visible by a small section of Earth.
## Footnote
The moon's shadow sweeps across the Earth during a solar eclipse.
30
Is it safe to look at a solar eclipse?
No, it is not safe to look at.
## Footnote
Looking directly at a solar eclipse can cause serious eye damage.
31
What are stars primarily composed of?
Hot, glowing balls of gas, mainly hydrogen.
## Footnote
Stars produce their own energy through nuclear fusion.
32
How do the colors of stars relate to their temperature?
Hotter stars are blue and cooler stars are red.
## Footnote
The color of a star indicates its temperature and energy output.
33
What is the definition of 'umbra' in the context of eclipses?
The darkest part of a shadow.
## Footnote
The umbra occurs during a total eclipse.
34
What is the definition of 'penumbra' in the context of eclipses?
The lighter part of a shadow where the light is partially blocked.
## Footnote
The penumbra occurs during partial eclipses.
35
What is a Stellar Nebula?
A cloud of gas and the birthplace of stars
## Footnote
Stellar nebulas are regions in space where matter gathers to form stars.
36
What is a average star
The stable phase
## Footnote
Average stars undergo nuclear fusion and have a stable life cycle.
37
What is a Massive Star?
The stable phase of a larger star
## Footnote
Massive stars have different evolutionary paths compared to average stars.
38
What is a Red Giant?
A dying phase of a star where the outer core expands, making the star bright while the temperature decreases
## Footnote
Red giants can signify the later stages of stellar evolution.
39
What is a Planetary Nebula?
A cloud of gas ejected by an aging star, which can become a stellar nebula
## Footnote
Planetary nebulas are formed during the late stages of a star's life cycle.
40
What is a White Dwarf?
A small, dense star that marks the end of a star's life cycle and produces little to no energy
## Footnote
White dwarfs are remnants of stars that have exhausted their nuclear fuel.
41
What is a Red Super Giant?
A dying phase of a giant star where the outer core expands, becoming extremely bright while the temperature decreases
## Footnote
Red super giants are among the largest stars in the universe.
42
What is a Supernova?
An explosive event where a star increases in brightness due to the ejection of mass
## Footnote
Supernovae can lead to the formation of neutron stars or black holes.
43
What is a Neutron Star?
The collapsed core of a giant star, characterized by extremely high density
## Footnote
Neutron stars are the remnants of massive stars after a supernova.
44
What is a Black Hole?
The collapsed core of a giant star with extremely high gravity that absorbs light
## Footnote
Black holes are formed from the remnants of massive stars after they explode.
45
Fill in the blank: A _______ is a cloud of gas and the birthplace of stars.
Stellar Nebula
46
True or False: A White Dwarf produces a significant amount of energy.
False
47
Fill in the blank: The dying phase of a star where the outer core expands and the temperature decreases is called a _______.
Red Giant
48
What happens to a star during a Supernova?
It increases in brightness due to the explosive ejection of mass
## Footnote
Supernovae are critical events in the life cycle of massive stars.
49
What are star groupings?
A galaxy. Groups of millions/billions of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity
50
How many different constellations are there?
88 different constellations
## Footnote
Constellations are often explained through various cultural stories and mythology.
51
What is a comet composed of?
Ice and dust
## Footnote
Comets form in the Kuiper Belt or Oort Cloud and become active when they approach the sun.
52
Fill in the blank: A rocky mass that orbits the sun is called a _______.
Asteroid
53
Where do most asteroids stay?
In the Asteroid Belt between Mars and Jupiter
## Footnote
The Asteroid Belt contains numerous rocky bodies varying in size.
54
What happens to comets when they approach the earth?
The sun heats them up, creating a tail of ice and gas
## Footnote
This phenomenon is due to the sublimation of ice when exposed to solar radiation.
55
What is the primary force that holds star groupings together?
Gravity
56
What are constellations often explained through?
Stories
## Footnote
Different cultures have their own interpretations and stories associated with constellations.
57
Fill in the blank: Comets are very _______.
Cold
58
What are Meteoraids?
Small pieces of an asteroid/comet
## Footnote
Meteoraids are fragments that break off from larger celestial bodies.
59
Define a Meteor.
Flying rock through Earth's atmosphere that gives off light, also known as a shooting star
## Footnote
Meteors are visible when they burn up upon entering the Earth's atmosphere.
60
What is a Meteorite?
Meteor that hits Earth's surface and can create craters
## Footnote
Meteorites provide valuable information about the solar system and its formation.
61
What is a Meteoroid?
A small rocky or metallic body in outer space
## Footnote
Meteoroids are generally smaller than asteroids.
62
What is the difference between a Meteor and a Meteorite?
A meteor is a flying rock through the atmosphere, while a meteorite is a meteor that hits Earth's surface
## Footnote
This distinction is important in the study of celestial objects.
63
What is the term for space rocks that are larger than meteoroids?
Asteroid
## Footnote
Asteroids are primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
64
Fill in the blank: A _______ is a flying rock through Earth's atmosphere that gives off light.
Meteor
65
True or False: Meteoroids are larger than asteroids.
False
## Footnote
Meteoroids are generally smaller than asteroids.
66
What can Meteorites create upon impacting Earth?
Craters
## Footnote
The size of the crater depends on the size and speed of the meteorite.
67
What is Azimuth?
Compass direction that runs from north clockwise
## Footnote
N = 0°, E = 90°, S = 180°, W = 270°
68
What is the Altitude in astronomy?
How high something is in the sky
## Footnote
0° is horizon and 90° is straight up
69
What is the Zenith?
Highest point directly overhead (90° altitude)
## Footnote
Represents the point in the sky directly above an observer
70
How is Azimuth measured?
Horizontal angle clockwise from North, using a compass
## Footnote
It describes the direction you need to look
71
How is Altitude measured?
Vertical angle from horizon to object, using an astrolabe
## Footnote
First find zenith then measure the angle to the horizon
72
Fill in the blank: The Azimuth is measured in ______ degrees from North.
0°
73
True or False: The Azimuth is always measured counterclockwise from North.
False
## Footnote
Azimuth is measured clockwise from North
74
What does an Altitude of 0° represent?
The horizon
## Footnote
This indicates the lowest point in the sky view
75
What does an Altitude of 90° represent?
The zenith or directly overhead
## Footnote
This is the highest point in the sky view
76
What is the electromagnetic spectrum?
A range that spans a broad spectrum of electromagnetic energy
77
How does electromagnetic energy travel?
In waves
78
What can human eyes only see?
Visible light
79
What is the purpose of using the electromagnetic spectrum?
To study Earth, solar system, and space
80
What is wavelength?
Measurement of distance from one point of a wave to the next
81
What is frequency?
The number of waves that pass a single point
82
Fill in the blank: High frequencies correspond to _______.
[shorter wavelengths]
83
Fill in the blank: Low frequencies correspond to _______.
[longer wavelengths]
84
What is a spectroscope?
An instrument used to break down light into its component wavelengths
85
What does ROYGBIV represent?
The sequence of colors in the visible light spectrum (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet)
86
What is spectroscopy?
The study of how light interacts with matter
87
What is one application of spectroscopy?
To examine different minerals
88
What is Continuous Spectra?
Colors of the lines produced blend into each other (ROYGBIN)
## Footnote
Continuous spectra represent a range of wavelengths without distinct lines.
89
What is Absorption Spectra?
Dark lines appear where color is being absorbed by cooler gas around light
## Footnote
Absorption spectra are formed when light passes through a cooler gas, resulting in dark lines at specific wavelengths.
90
What is Emission Spectra?
Dark background with bright lines from light passing through heated glass
## Footnote
Emission spectra arise when elements emit light at specific wavelengths, producing bright lines against a dark background.
91
What is the significance of spectral lines?
Unique pattern of absorption/emission lines that identify elements in a star
## Footnote
Spectral lines are crucial for determining the composition of stars by comparing their spectra to known elements.
92
How can we determine the elements present in a star?
Compare the spectra of each element to the spectra produced by the star
## Footnote
This comparison allows astronomers to identify the elements based on their unique spectral fingerprints.
93
Which color corresponds to short wavelengths?
Violet
## Footnote
Violet light has the shortest wavelength in the visible spectrum.
94
Which color corresponds to long wavelengths?
Red
## Footnote
Red light has the longest wavelength in the visible spectrum.
95
What is the Doppler Effect?
Apparent shift in frequency of wavelength due to movement between object and observer
## Footnote
This phenomenon is commonly observed in sound and light waves.
96
How is the Doppler Effect measured?
With manometers (nm)
## Footnote
Manometers are instruments used to measure the pressure of gases or liquids.
97
What does a red shift indicate?
Longer wavelengths (lower frequency)
## Footnote
Red shift occurs when an object is moving away from the observer.
98
What does a blue shift indicate?
Shorter wavelengths (higher frequency)
## Footnote
Blue shift occurs when an object is moving towards the observer.
99
What happens to wave frequency when an object is moving towards the observer?
Frequency increases (blue-shifted)
## Footnote
This results in a higher pitch in sound or a shift towards the blue end of the spectrum in light.
100
What happens to wave frequency when an object is moving away from the observer?
Frequency decreases (red-shifted)
## Footnote
This results in a lower pitch in sound or a shift towards the red end of the spectrum in light.
101
What is parallax?
The apparent shift in position based on the location of the viewer
## Footnote
Parallax helps estimate the distance of celestial objects from Earth.
102
How does the distance of an object affect its perceived shift in position due to parallax?
The closer an object is to the observer, the more it seems to shift.
103
What is the definition of an Astronomical Unit (AU)?
1 AU = 150,000,000 Km = distance from Earth to the Sun.
104
What is a light year?
The distance light travels in 1 year.
105
How far is 1 light year in kilometers?
1 light year = 9.46 trillion Km.
106
How do astronomers measure the location of stars?
They measure stars' locations 6 months apart (2 AU from each other) to get a baseline for triangulation measurement.
107
What is triangulation?
Indirect measurement of the distance of an object using geometry.
108
What geometric principle is used in triangulation?
Measurement between object to baseline can determine distance.
109
Fill in the blank: The baseline in triangulation is the _______ between two observation points.
distance
110
What role does the angle play in triangulation?
The angle to be measured helps determine the distance to the object.
111
What is a satellite?
An object that orbits another object
## Footnote
This can include both natural and artificial satellites.
112
Define artificial satellites.
Man-made, electronic, intentionally placed in orbit around a planet/moon
## Footnote
Examples include satellites used for communication and weather monitoring.
113
What are natural satellites?
Celestial body that orbits a larger celestial body
## Footnote
The Moon is an example of a natural satellite of Earth.
114
What is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite?
Also known as asynchronous, orbits multiple times per day, over 1000 km from the surface
## Footnote
Commonly used for phones, shuttles, and ISS communication.
115
What is the altitude of Geosynchronous satellites?
30000 km above the equator
## Footnote
These satellites are synchronized with Earth's rotation.
116
What is the primary use of Geosynchronous satellites?
TV, weather, and communication satellites
## Footnote
They provide consistent coverage over specific areas on Earth.
117
What is a rocket?
A hollow tube with an explosive on one end that creates thrust
## Footnote
The fuel creates a chemical reaction (combustion) that propels the rocket into the air.
118
Fill in the blank: A __________ is a hollow tube with an explosive on one end.
[rocket]
119
True or False: Low Earth Orbit satellites are synchronized with Earth's rotation.
False
## Footnote
This describes Geosynchronous satellites, not LEO satellites.
120
What does 'Geo' in Geosynchronous satellites refer to?
Earth
## Footnote
The term indicates the relationship of the satellite's orbit to the Earth.
121
What is a telescope?
A device used to view distant objects by their emission, absorption, or reflection of electromagnetic radiation.
## Footnote
Telescopes are essential tools in astronomy for observing celestial bodies.
122
What do optical telescopes do?
Gather and focus light from stars using mirrors and lenses.
## Footnote
The size of the telescope influences the distance it can see.
123
What is the objective lens in a telescope?
The lens where light enters the telescope.
## Footnote
It plays a crucial role in focusing light for observation.
124
What is the ocular lens in a telescope?
The lens where light leaves the telescope into the eye.
## Footnote
It magnifies the image for the viewer.
125
Fill in the blank: The _____ is the distance from the lens to the place where light beams converge.
focal length
## Footnote
Focal length is a key concept in optics, affecting the telescope's magnification and field of view.
126
What happens to the ability to see distant objects as the size of the telescope increases?
The farther you can see.
## Footnote
Larger telescopes can collect more light, allowing for the observation of fainter objects.
127
What is refraction in the context of telescopes?
Bending of light rays from lenses
## Footnote
Refraction is the principle used in refracting telescopes.
128
What type of optical component does a refracting telescope use as its objective?
Lens
## Footnote
Refracting telescopes primarily utilize lenses to focus light.
129
What was a limitation of refracting telescopes regarding color?
Not good at focusing color
## Footnote
This chromatic aberration is a common issue in refracting telescopes.
130
What type of images do refracting telescopes provide?
Clear images
## Footnote
Despite some limitations, they are known for producing clear visuals.
131
Why can't refracting telescopes be made large?
Due to the mass of lenses
## Footnote
The weight of the lenses limits the size of refracting telescopes.
132
What is a characteristic feature of refracting telescopes in terms of magnification?
High magnification
## Footnote
They are capable of magnifying distant objects significantly.
133
What effect does a refracting telescope have on images?
Inverts image
## Footnote
This means that the images appear upside down.
134
What is the principle behind reflecting telescopes?
Reflection is light rays bouncing off a reflective surface
## Footnote
Reflecting telescopes use mirrors instead of lenses.
135
What optical component does a reflecting telescope use as its objective?
Mirrors
## Footnote
Mirrors are key to the operation of reflecting telescopes.
136
What is a disadvantage of reflecting telescopes compared to refracting telescopes?
Image is not clear
## Footnote
This can be due to various factors including mirror quality.
137
What is an advantage of reflecting telescopes in terms of size?
Can be made large because they aren't heavy
## Footnote
The lightweight nature of mirrors allows for larger designs.
138
What is the main benefit of combination telescopes?
Can see far & clear
## Footnote
They utilize both mirrors and lenses for enhanced imaging.
139
What is a notable drawback of combination telescopes?
Extremely expensive
## Footnote
The complexity and materials involved contribute to high costs.
140
What is interferometry in the context of telescopes?
Using computers to connect 2 or more telescopes
## Footnote
This technique enhances imaging capabilities by simulating a larger objective.
141
What does interferometry simulate?
An objective the size of the distance between the telescopes
## Footnote
This allows for improved resolution and detail in observations.
142
What type of food is used in space missions?
Food is packaged and rationed (freeze dried)
## Footnote
All food requirements must be brought on the trip.
143
How is water managed in space?
Water is recycled from everywhere (handwashing, oral hygiene, etc.)
## Footnote
The same technology is used on Earth for drinking water during natural disasters.
144
What happens to waste in space?
Waste is packaged & stored and eventually burned out in the atmosphere.
145
What technology is used to supply oxygen in space?
Oxygenators are used to supply oxygen by taking CO2 and breaking it apart.
146
What do suits and stations in space maintain?
Temperature & pressure you can survive in.
147
What is the role of suits and stations regarding the atmosphere?
They protect the body from the atmosphere.
148
What would happen to blood in space without protection?
Blood would boil because all the gases dissolved in it would come out.
149
What medical supplies are astronauts required to bring?
Basic medical equipment/supplies
## Footnote
Anything an astronaut could possibly need is brought with them.
150
How much greater is gravity on Earth compared to Mars?
2.5 times greater
151
How does a lack of gravity affect the human body?
Affects the development of muscles and bones
152
What are the effects of radiation on health?
Can increase cancer risks and damage the brain, heart, and central nervous system
153
True or False: Radiation can set the stage for diseases.
True
