Main Ideas

Question 1

Meteor vs. Meteoroid vs. Meteorite

Answer 1

A meteoroid is a small piece of rock moving in space.
A meteor forms when a meteoroid hits Earth’s atmosphere.
A piece of a meteor that lands on Earth is called a meteorite.

Question 2

What happens to a meteoroid when it shoots through air quickly?

Answer 2

It heats up quickly, getting so hot that it glows as a streak of light.

Question 3

Where do most asteroids orbit?

Answer 3

Most asteroids orbit in the region between Mars and Jupiter called the asteroid belt.

Question 4

Describe Earth’s moon

Answer 4

1) Has almost no atmosphere.
2) Many craters from meteorites crashing into its surface.
3) Gravity keeps the moon revolving around Earth.

Question 5

What keeps objects in our solar system?

Answer 5

Gravity
The force of the sun’s gravity is large enough to keep planets around the sun. Without this force, the planets would not stay in their orbits.

Question 6

Name the two types of eruptions that take place on the sun.

Answer 6

Prominences
Solar Flares

Question 7

What can constellations be used for?

Answer 7

Navigation
Examples: Polaris (North Star), Little Dipper, Big Dipper, Orion

Question 8

What causes seasons?

Answer 8

1) Tilt of the Earth (23.5 degrees)
2) Revolution or orbit

Question 9

What two effects does tilt have on the Earth?

Answer 9

1) The length of our days
2) The angle of the Sun’s rays to the Earth.

Question 10

If the Northern Hemisphere is titled towards the Sun, what season will it be?

Answer 10

Summer

Question 11

For Earth, how long does one full rotation take?

Answer 11

24 hours or one day

Question 12

Two main reasons why summer is hotter than winter.

Answer 12

1) Due to the tilt, the sun’s light and heat is more direct and concentrated.
2) More hours of daylight in summer