Solar System Flashcards
(18 cards)
Nebula
a cloud of gas and dust in outer space
Solar Nebula
A large cloud of gas and dust from which the sun, planets, and other solar system bodies formed.
Nuclear Fusion
Nuclear fusion is when two or more lightweight atoms join together to form one heavier nucleus
Sunspot
any of the temporarily cooler regions appearing cyclically
Astronomical Unit
a unit of length based on the mean distance of the earth from the sun
Terrestrial Planets
plural form of terrestrial planet
Prograde Rotation
Of or relating to the orbital revolution or axial rotation
Retrograde Rotation
A strong retrograde movement set in.
Gas Giant
A large planet composed mostly of gaseous hydrogen and helium
Satellite
natural body revolving around a planet, a branch of a larger company
Phase
distinct period of time in something’s development.
Eclipse
obscuring of light, particularly of the sun or moon or a loss of greatness.
Comet
a celestial body that moves around the sun
Asteroid
a rocky mass that orbits the sun.
Asteroid Belt
The region of the solar system between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, where most of the asteroids are found.
Meteoroid
small, solid bodies traveling through outer space, which are seen as meteors when they enter the earth’s atmosphere
Meteorite
a rock that is found on Earth that did not form on Earth.
Meteor
small body of matter from outer space that comes into the atmosphere of the Earth
