Space Vocabulary Flashcards
Orbit
the circular 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.
Axis of Rotation
A rotation is a circular movement of an object around a center (or point) of rotation
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
In an orbit, a potion and time in which sunlight shines equally on the northern and Southern Hemispheres
Solstice
In an orbit, a potion and time during which one hemisphere receives it maximum area of sunlight while the other hemisphere receives it minimum amount the time of the year when the days are longer or shorter
Mare
A large dark plain of solidified lava on the moon
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.