Shared Flashcard Set

Details

Ch 1
vocabulary
14
Astronomy
8th Grade
09/10/2009

Additional Astronomy Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term

 

 

orbit

Definition

n. The path of an object in space as it moves around another object due to gravity; for example, the Moon moves in an orbit around Earth.

v. To revolve around, or move in an orbit; for example, the Moon orbits Earth.

Term

 

 

solar system

Definition
The Sun and its family of orbiting planets, moons, and other objects. (p.10)
Term

 

 

galaxy

Definition
Millions or billions of stars held together in a group by their own gravity. (p.10)
Term

 

 

universe

Definition
Space and all the matter and energy in it. (p.10)
Term

 

 

constellation

Definition
A group of stars that form a pattern in the sky. (p.12)
Term

 

 

electromagnetic radiation

Definition
Energy that travels across distances as certain types of waves. Types of electromagnetic radiation are radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, x-rays, and gamma rays. (p.15)
Term

 

 

spectrum

Definition

1. Radiation from a source separated into a range of wavelengths.

2. The range of colors that appears in a beam of visible light when it passes through a prism. (p.16)

Term

 

 

wavelength

Definition
The distance between one peak and the next peak on a wave. (p.16)
Term

 

 

telescope

Definition
A device that gather visible light or another form of electromagnetic radiation. (p.17)
Term

 

 

satellite

Definition
An object that orbits a more massive object. (p.23)
Term

 

 

space station

Definition
A satellite in which people can live and work for long periods. (p.24)
Term

 

 

lander

Definition
A craft designed to land on a planet's surface. (p.28)
Term

 

 

probe

Definition
A spacecraft that is sent into a planet's atmosphere or onto a solid surface. (p.29)
Term

 

 

impact crater

Definition
A round pit left behind on the surface of a planet or other body in space after a smaller object strikes the surface. (p.32)
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