Earth and Space Flashcards
Astronomy
The area of science that looks at the universe and everything in it.
Geocentric
A theory of the structure of the solar system in which the Earth was thought to be the centre.
Heliocentric
A theory of the structure of the solar system where the Sun is at the centre.
Universe
Everything that exists, including planets, stars, galaxies and all forms of matter and energy.
Big Bang
Most scientists believe that the universe began with an explosion - the Big Bang - about 14 billion years ago.
Galaxy
A large group of stars, dust, gas and dark matter held together by gravity.
Galaxy
A large group of stars, dust, gas and dark matter held together by gravity.
Antimatter
The mirror image of matter. Every particle of matter has a corresponding particle of antimatter. When they meet they destroy each other and are converted into pure energy.
Hypothesis
Collection of ideas that seem to explain what is observed => predictions that can be tested.
Models
Describes reality based on hypothesis that have withstood observational and experimental tests => explains with mathematics properties and behaviors of some objects or phenomenon.
Theory
Series of well-tested hypothesis that together form a self-consistent and accurate description of nature => capable of making predictions that can be tested and verified by anyone.
Laws
Proven theories that have stood the test of time and have broad applicability.
Constellations
Some stars seem to be grouped forming images in the sky, there is 88 groups (constellations) in the sky.
Ecliptic plane
Plane of Earth’s orbit around the Sun, from our point of view is the Sun who travels around the ecliptic.
Asteroids
Asteroids are lumps of rock that orbit the Sun. They are too small to be classified as planets. Thought to be left over from the time of the formation of the Universe. The asteroid belt lies between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
