Unit 1 - Astronomy Vocab

Question 1

Axis

Answer 1

An imaginary line about which a body rotates

Question 2

Barycenter

Answer 2

The center of mass of two or more bodies that orbit each other and the point about which the bodies orbit

Question 3

Geocentric

Answer 3

Having or representing the Earth as the center of thee solar system. Ptolemy’s model of the universe depicts this

Question 4

Heliocentric

Answer 4

Having or representing the Sun as the center of the solar system. Copernicus espoused this model of the universe

Question 5

Lunar Eclipse

Answer 5

An eclipse in which the Moon appears darkened as it passes into the earths shadow

Question 6

Neap Tide

Answer 6

Tide during the first or third quarters of the Moon where there is the least difference between high and low water due to the perpendicular alignment among the Moon, Earth, and Sun

Question 7

Precession

Answer 7

The change in the direction of the axis, without a change in tilt

Question 8

Revolution

Answer 8

The motion of a body (like a planet or moon) along a path around some point in space

Question 9

Solar Eclipse

Answer 9

An eclipse in which the Moon obscures the Sun

Question 9

Rotation

Answer 9

Turning or spinning of a body on its axis

Question 10

Spring Tide

Answer 10

A tide during a new or full moon, when there is the greatest difference between high and low water due to the position of the Moon, Earth, and Sun in alignment with one another; amplifying gravity pull on the the oceans