Space ๐ Flashcards
Orbit
The path of an object in space as it moves around another object due to gravity.
Solar system
The us and its family of orbiting planets, moons, and other objects.
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
An imaginary line about which a turning body such as the earth rotates.
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 time or date (twice each year) at which the sun crosses the celestial equator, when day and night are of equal length (about September 22 and March 20).
Solstice
In an orbit, a position and time during one hemisphere receives its maximum area of sunlight, while the other hemisphere receives its minimum amount of the time of the year when the days are either the longest or the shortest.
Mare
any of the several large, dark plains on the moon and Mars: Galileo believed that the lunar features were seas when he first saw them through a telescope.
Eclipse
an event that happens when the shadow of an object in space falls on the surface of another object
Umbra
the complete or perfect shadow of an opaque body, as a planet, where the direct light from the source of illumination is completely cut off.
Penumbra
the partial or imperfect shadow outside the complete shadow of an opaque body, as a planet, where the light from the source of illumination is only partly cut off.