Space Vocab

Question 1

Heliocentric theory

Answer 1

A sun centered theory of the universe

Question 2

Gas giant

Answer 2

A large planet that consists mostly of gases in dense of form

Question 3

Comet

Answer 3

A body that produces a coma of gas and dust, a small icy body that orbits the sun

Question 4

Universe

Answer 4

Space and all matter

Question 5

Solar system

Answer 5

The sun and its family of orbiting planets and moons and other objects

Question 6

New moon

Answer 6

The entire surface of the moon is not illuminated

Question 7

Meteorite

Answer 7

A small object from outer space that passes through earths atmosphere and reaches the surface

Question 8

Quarter moon

Answer 8

Half of the moon is illuminated

Question 9

Astronomical unit

Answer 9

Average distance from the sun which is 93,000,000 miles

Question 10

Revolution

Answer 10

The motion of one body around another, such as the earth in its orbit around the sun

Question 11

Crescent moon

Answer 11

The illuminated surface is less than a quarter illuminated

Question 12

Penumbra

Answer 12

A region of lighter shadow that may surround a dark central region

Question 13

Mare

Answer 13

A large dark plain of solidified lava on the moon

Question 14

Galaxy

Answer 14

Millions and billions of stars held together in a group by their own gravity

Question 15

Umbra

Answer 15

The dark central region of a shadow such as the cone of complete shadow cast be an object

Question 16

Eclipse

Answer 16

An event during which one object in space casts a shadow onto another

Question 17

Gibbous moon

Answer 17

More than half but less than fully illuminated

Question 18

Orbit

Answer 18

The path of an object in space as it moves around another a object due to gravity

Question 19

Tide

Answer 19

The rise and fall of the oceans caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun

Question 20

Waning

Answer 20

The gradual decrease in the illuminated surface of the moon

Question 21

Geocentric theory

Answer 21

Earth centered theory of the solar system

Question 22

Ellipse

Answer 22

An oval or flattened circle

Question 23

Season

Answer 23

One of a pattern of temperature changes and other weather trends over the course of year

Question 24

Gravity

Answer 24

The force that objects exert on one another because of their mass

Question 25

Impact crater

Answer 25

A round pit left behind on the surface of planet after a smaller object strikes the surface

Question 26

Full moon

Answer 26

The entire surface of the moon is illuminated

Question 27

Satellite

Answer 27

An object that orbits a more massive object

Question 28

Axis of rotation

Answer 28

An imaginary line about which a turning body such as earth rotates

Question 29

Meteor

Answer 29

A brief streak of light produced by particle entering earths atmosphere at high speed

Question 30

Asteroid

Answer 30

A small solid rock body that orbits the sun

Question 31

Terrestrial planet

Answer 31

A planet that has a rocky surface

Question 32

Equinox

Answer 32

In a orbit, a position and time in which sun shines equally on both hemispheres

Question 33

Solstice

Answer 33

In a orbit a position and time during which one hemisphere receives the maximum sunlight

Question 34

Waxing

Answer 34

The gradual increase of the illuminated surface of the moon