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Nadira Geography > Space In the Universe > Flashcards

Space In the Universe Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the Universe?

A

Everything that exists, including matter and energy

Also known as the Cosmos

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2
Q

What is the study of the universe called?

A

Cosmology or Astronomy

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3
Q

Which planet is the Earth in the Solar System?

A

The 3rd planet

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4
Q

What galaxy is the Solar System a part of?

A

The Milky Way galaxy

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5
Q

How many galaxies are estimated to be in the Universe?

A

Billions

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6
Q

What galaxy contains the Solar System?

A

The Milky Way

The Milky Way is the galaxy that contains our Solar System.

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7
Q

What does the name ‘Milky Way’ describe?

A

The galaxy’s appearance from Earth

It refers to a hazy band of light formed from stars that cannot be individually distinguished.

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8
Q

How many stars are estimated to be in the Milky Way?

A

250 billion to 150 billion

This is an estimated range of the total number of stars in the Milky Way galaxy.

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9
Q

What is the radius of the Milky Way?

A

52,850 light years

The radius is measured in light years, which is the distance light travels in one year.

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10
Q

At what speed does light travel?

A

299,792 km per second

This is the speed of light in a vacuum.

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11
Q

How many seconds are there in a year?

A

31,536,000 seconds

This is calculated as 60 seconds per minute, 60 minutes per hour, 24 hours per day, and 365 days per year.

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12
Q

What is the distance from Earth to the Moon?

A

13 light seconds

This distance measures how long it takes light to travel from the Moon to Earth.

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13
Q

What is the distance from Earth to the Sun?

A

8.3 minutes

This distance corresponds to the time it takes light to travel from the Sun to Earth.

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14
Q

What is the distance from Earth to Alpha Centauri?

A

4.4 light years

Alpha Centauri is the closest star system to Earth.

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15
Q

What is the distance from Earth to the Hercules Globular Cluster (M 13)?

A

To be determined

The specific distance to M 13 is not provided in the text.

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16
Q

What is the distance from Earth to the Andromeda Galaxy?

A

2.5 million light years

The Andromeda Galaxy is the nearest spiral galaxy to the Milky Way.

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17
Q

What is the speed of stars in the outer regions?

A

220 km/s

This speed refers to the orbital velocity of stars located in the outer regions of a galaxy.

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18
Q

How long does it take for stars in the outer regions to complete one orbit around the galaxy?

A

250 million years

This duration represents the time required for a star to make one full orbit around the center of the galaxy.

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19
Q

What is the speed at which the solar system travels around the center of the Milky Way?

A

220 km/s

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20
Q

How many solar systems are estimated to exist in the Milky Way?

A

Tens of billions, perhaps even as many as 100 billion

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21
Q

What are comets primarily composed of?

A

Comets are dirty space snowballs of mostly ice and dust

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22
Q

How old are comets estimated to be?

A

Comets formed during the birth of the solar system 4.6 billion years ago

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23
Q

Where do most comets have stable orbits?

A

In the outer reaches of the solar system past the planet Neptune

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24
Q

What happens to comets when they pass close to the Sun?

A

They warm and begin to release gases, a process called outgassing

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25
What is produced as a result of a comet's outgassing?
A visible atmosphere and sometimes also a tail
26
What is the visibility period of Comet ATLAS C/2019 Y4?
Between late February and early May ## Footnote This comet was visible in northern circumpolar skies.
27
What are the two types of tails associated with comets?
* Gas Tail * Dust Tail
28
What is the central part of a comet called?
Nucleus
29
What is the surrounding cloud of gas and dust around a comet's nucleus called?
Coma
30
What are meteoroids?
Tiny asteroids or the broken-off crumbs of comets and sometimes planets
31
What is the size range of meteoroids?
From a grain of sand to boulders a meter wide
32
What happens when meteoroids collide with a planet's atmosphere?
They become meteors
33
What are remains of meteors that survive the atmosphere and hit a planet's surface called?
Meteorites
34
True or False: Meteoroids can only be found in space and never reach a planet's surface.
False
35
Fill in the blank: If meteoroids survive the atmosphere, their remains are called _______.
meteorites
36
Where is the Hoba meteorite located?
Grootfontein Namibia
37
How many meteoroids, micrometeoroids, and other space debris enter Earth's atmosphere each day?
An estimated 25 million ## Footnote This includes various sizes of space debris.
38
What is the estimated annual mass of material entering Earth's atmosphere?
Approximately 15,000 tonnes ## Footnote This figure represents the total mass of meteoroids and debris.
39
Where are most asteroids located in the solar system?
Between Mars and Jupiter, forming the Asteroid Belt ## Footnote The Asteroid Belt contains a significant number of asteroids.
40
List the planets of the solar system
* Mercury * Venus * Earth * Mars * Jupiter * Saturn * Uranus * Neptune * Pluto ## Footnote Pluto is classified as a dwarf planet.
41
What is the term for the region beyond Neptune that contains small icy bodies?
Kuiper Belt ## Footnote The Kuiper Belt is home to many small celestial objects.
42
Name two dwarf planets
* Eris * Makemake ## Footnote Dwarf planets are celestial bodies that orbit the Sun and are not classified as full planets.
43
What is Ceres classified as?
A dwarf planet ## Footnote Ceres is the largest object in the asteroid belt.
44
Fill in the blank: The _______ is a region of space that contains many comets.
Kuiper Belt ## Footnote Comets are icy bodies that release gas or dust.
45
True or False: The Asteroid Belt is located between Earth and Mars.
False ## Footnote The Asteroid Belt is located between Mars and Jupiter.
46
What is the term for a small rocky or metallic body in space?
ASTEROID ## Footnote Asteroids are remnants from the early formation of the solar system.
47
What is a meteorite?
CUETEORITE ## Footnote A meteorite is a solid fragment that survives its passage through the atmosphere and lands on Earth's surface.
48
What is the surface temperature range for class B stars?
>33 000 Kelvin ## Footnote Class B stars are among the hottest stars in the universe.
49
What is the surface temperature range for class A stars?
10 000 - 33 000 Kelvin ## Footnote Class A stars are known for their bright white and blue-white colors.
50
What is the surface temperature range for class F stars?
7 500 - 10 000 Kelvin ## Footnote Class F stars have a yellowish-white appearance.
51
What is the surface temperature range for class G stars?
6 000 - 7 500 Kelvin ## Footnote Class G stars include our Sun.
52
What is the surface temperature range for class K stars?
5 200 - 6 000 Kelvin ## Footnote Class K stars appear yellow to orange.
53
What is the surface temperature range for class M stars?
3 700 - 5 200 Kelvin ## Footnote Class M stars are the coolest and most common stars in the universe.
54
What color is associated with class O stars?
Blue ## Footnote Class O stars are extremely hot and emit blue light.
55
What color is typically seen in class B stars?
White to Blue-white ## Footnote These stars are very luminous and have high surface temperatures.
56
What color is associated with class A stars?
White ## Footnote Class A stars are known for their strong hydrogen lines.
57
What color do class F stars display?
Yellowish white ## Footnote This color indicates a moderate temperature.
58
What color is typical for class G stars?
Yellow ## Footnote This color is indicative of the surface temperature of these stars.
59
What color is associated with class K stars?
Orange ## Footnote Class K stars have lower temperatures than class G stars.
60
What color do class M stars typically exhibit?
Red ## Footnote Class M stars are the coolest and thus appear red.
61
What is the behavior of a comet?
A comet will stay in one place ## Footnote Comets are often observed as fixed points in the sky over time.
62
How do meteors behave in the night sky?
Meteors will move and burn out quickly ## Footnote Meteors are typically visible for only a short duration as they enter the Earth's atmosphere.
63
What is unique about satellites in terms of movement?
Satellites move continuously across the night sky without burning out ## Footnote Satellites are designed to maintain their orbits and do not burn up like meteors.
64
How many objects have been launched into space historically?
A total of 8,378 objects have been launched into space ## Footnote This includes various types of space missions and equipment.
65
How many satellites are currently in orbit around the Earth?
4,987 satellites are whizzing around above our heads every single day ## Footnote This number reflects the active satellites used for communication, navigation, and observation.
66
What does the Solar System comprise?
The Sun and the planets that form the planetary system around it, along with smaller objects like dwarf planets, comets, and asteroids.
67
What role does the Sun play in the Solar System?
It keeps its solar family together with its gravitational pull.
68
Name one of the largest planets in the Solar System.
Jupiter
69
Ceres is a ___ planet.
dwarf
70
Fill in the blank: The Solar System includes small Solar System bodies such as _______.
comets and asteroids
71
True or False: The Solar System consists only of planets.
False
72
What is the Sun?
The star at the centre of the Solar System and the most important source of energy for life on Earth. ## Footnote The Sun is crucial for sustaining life through its energy output.
73
What is the composition of the Sun?
A nearly perfect spherical ball of hot hydrogen-helium plasma. ## Footnote The temperature of the Sun's surface is approximately 5,500 K.
74
How does the diameter of the Sun compare to that of Earth?
About 109 times that of Earth. ## Footnote This significant size difference illustrates the vast scale of the Solar System.
75
What is the mass of the Sun relative to Earth?
About 330,000 times that of Earth. ## Footnote The Sun accounts for approximately 99.86% of the total mass of the Solar System.
76
True or False: The Sun accounts for about 50% of the total mass of the Solar System.
False ## Footnote The Sun actually accounts for about 99.86% of the total mass.
77
What is the smallest and closest planet to the Sun in the Solar System?
Mercury ## Footnote Mercury has an orbital period of about 88 Earth days.
78
What is the orbital period of Mercury?
About 88 Earth days ## Footnote This is the time it takes for Mercury to complete one orbit around the Sun.
79
Who is Mercury named after?
The Roman messenger to the gods ## Footnote This reflects Mercury's swift movement in the sky.
80
What significant discovery did NASA confirm at the north pole of Mercury?
A large volume of water ice ## Footnote The ice is found in permanently dark craters.
81
Fill in the blank: Mercury has an orbital period of about ______ Earth days.
88 ## Footnote This is a defining characteristic of Mercury's orbit.
82
True or False: Mercury is the largest planet in the Solar System.
False ## Footnote Mercury is the smallest planet.
83
What unique feature exists at the north pole of Mercury?
Permanently dark craters containing water ice ## Footnote These craters never receive sunlight.
84
What is the second planet from the Sun?
Venus ## Footnote Venus orbits the Sun every 225 Earth days.
85
Venus is named after which Roman goddess?
The goddess of love and beauty ## Footnote Venus is associated with beauty and love in Roman mythology.
86
What is the brightness rank of Venus in the night sky?
Second brightest natural object ## Footnote After the Moon, Venus is the brightest object visible at night.
87
Why is Venus sometimes referred to as Earth's sister planet?
Because they are very similar ## Footnote Venus and Earth share similar size and composition.
88
What is another name for Earth?
Gaia or Terra
89
What is the position of Earth in relation to the Sun?
Third planet from the Sun
90
What is the density ranking of Earth among the planets in the Solar System?
Densest planet
91
What is unique about Earth compared to other astronomical objects?
It is the only astronomical object known to accommodate life
92
What is the average temperature of Earth?
About 16°C
93
What is the fourth planet from the Sun?
Mars ## Footnote Mars is the second smallest planet in the Solar System.
94
Who is Mars named after?
The Roman god of war ## Footnote Mars is often referred to as the 'Red Planet'.
95
What gives Mars its reddish appearance?
Iron oxide prevalent on its surface ## Footnote This is why Mars is often called the 'Red Planet'.
96
What type of planet is Mars?
Terrestrial planet ## Footnote Mars has a thin atmosphere.
97
What geological features does Mars have?
Impact craters, volcanoes, valleys, deserts, polar ice caps ## Footnote These features are similar to those found on Earth.
98
What is Jupiter's position in the Solar System?
Fifth planet from the Sun
99
What is the largest planet in the Solar System?
Jupiter
100
What type of planet is Jupiter classified as?
Gas giant
101
What is the mass of Jupiter relative to the Sun?
One-thousandth that of the Sun
102
How does Jupiter's mass compare to all other planets in the Solar System combined?
Two and a half times that of all other planets combined
103
Which other planet is classified as a gas giant along with Jupiter?
Saturn
104
Who is Jupiter named after?
Roman god Jupiter
105
What is the sixth planet from the Sun?
Saturn ## Footnote Saturn is the second largest planet in the Solar System.
106
Which planet is the second largest in the Solar System?
Saturn ## Footnote Jupiter is the largest planet.
107
What type of planet is Saturn?
Gas giant ## Footnote Gas giants are characterized by their thick atmospheres and lack of a solid surface.
108
What is the average radius of Saturn compared to Earth?
About nine times that of Earth ## Footnote This large radius contributes to Saturn's status as a gas giant.
109
How does Saturn's density compare to Earth's?
Only one-eighth the average density of Earth ## Footnote Despite its lower density, Saturn's larger volume makes it much more massive.
110
How much more massive is Saturn compared to Earth?
Just over 95 times more massive ## Footnote This is due to Saturn's larger volume despite its lower density.
111
Who is Saturn named after?
The Roman god of agriculture ## Footnote The naming of planets after gods is a common practice in astronomy.
112
What is the sixth planet from the Sun?
Saturn ## Footnote Saturn is the second largest planet in the Solar System.
113
Which planet is the second largest in the Solar System?
Saturn ## Footnote Jupiter is the largest planet.
114
What type of planet is Saturn?
Gas giant ## Footnote Gas giants are characterized by their thick atmospheres and lack of a solid surface.
115
What is the average radius of Saturn compared to Earth?
About nine times that of Earth ## Footnote This large radius contributes to Saturn's status as a gas giant.
116
How does Saturn's density compare to Earth's?
Only one-eighth the average density of Earth ## Footnote Despite its lower density, Saturn's larger volume makes it much more massive.
117
How much more massive is Saturn compared to Earth?
Just over 95 times more massive ## Footnote This is due to Saturn's larger volume despite its lower density.
118
Who is Saturn named after?
The Roman god of agriculture ## Footnote The naming of planets after gods is a common practice in astronomy.
119
What is the seventh planet from the Sun?
Uranus ## Footnote Uranus is known for its unique characteristics compared to other planets.
120
What is notable about Uranus's planetary radius?
It has the third-largest planetary radius in the Solar System ## Footnote This size distinction places Uranus after Jupiter and Saturn.
121
What is notable about Uranus's planetary mass?
It has the fourth-largest planetary mass in the Solar System ## Footnote The mass of Uranus is less than that of Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune.
122
How are Uranus and Neptune classified?
As 'ice giants' ## Footnote This classification helps distinguish them from gas giants like Jupiter and Saturn.
123
What is the minimum temperature of Uranus's atmosphere?
-224 °C ## Footnote This makes it the coldest planetary atmosphere in the Solar System.
124
True or False: Uranus has the warmest atmosphere in the Solar System.
False ## Footnote Uranus has the coldest atmosphere, not the warmest.
125
What is Neptune in relation to the Solar System?
Neptune is the eighth and farthest planet from the Sun in the Solar System. ## Footnote Neptune is known for its deep blue color and strong winds.
126
What is Neptune's rank in terms of diameter among the planets?
Neptune is the fourth-largest planet by diameter. ## Footnote Its diameter is approximately 49,244 kilometers.
127
What is Neptune's rank in terms of mass among the planets?
Neptune is the third-largest planet by mass. ## Footnote Its mass is about 17 times that of Earth.
128
Which giant planet in the Solar System is the most dense?
Neptune is the most dense among the giant planets in the Solar System. ## Footnote This is due to its composition and internal structure.
129
What is the mass of Neptune compared to Earth?
Neptune is 17 times the mass of Earth. ## Footnote This significant mass contributes to its gravitational pull.
130
What is Neptune named after?
Neptune is named after the Roman god of the sea. ## Footnote The name reflects its deep blue appearance.

Nadira Geography (6 decks)

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