Space Vocab 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 large, circular pit in the surface of a planet or other body in space usually formed when two bodies in space collide
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
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
is the innermost and darkest part of a shadow, where the light source is completely blocked by the occluding body.
Penumbra
is the lighter outer part of a shadow. The Moon’s penumbra causes partial solar eclipses, and the Earth’s penumbra is involved in penumbral lunar eclipses.