Shared Flashcard Set

Details

Introduction to Astronomy
Physical Geology
57
Astronomy
11th Grade
05/07/2009

Additional Astronomy Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
Astronomy
Definition
The study of the universe
Term
Observatory
Definition
Area or building designed to track the movement of stars and planets
Term
Stonehenge
Definition
Ancient observatory made of stones
Term
Brahe
Definition
Made one of the first outdoor observatories for written collection of data; taught Kepler
Term
Sextant
Definition
Used to determine the ascension of a star; coupled with a compass and chronometer, it could be used to tell latitude and longitude
Term
Telescope
Definition
Improves resolution and magnifies images of distant objects
Term
Optical
Definition
This form of telescope relies on light to form an image
Term
Radio
Definition
This form of telescope relies on low frequency waves we associate with AM or FM
Term
Lenses
Definition
These focus light in an optical telescope
Term
Mirror
Definition
This does the main focusing in a reflector telescope
Term
Refractor
Definition
This type of optical telescope uses only lenses
Term
Reflector
Definition
This type of telescope uses lenses and a mirror
Term
Distortion
Definition
This is caused by light, atmosphere, imperfections in the glass lenses and even heat
Term
Pollution
Definition
Light __?__ can be avoided in astronomy by moving your telescope to the country away from cities
Term
Magnify
Definition
Means to make an object appear bigger
Term
Resolve
Definition
Means to make an image clearer; to be able to see the difference between two objects that are close to one another
Term
Infrared
Definition
Part of electromagnetic spectrum just below red light
Term
Ultraviolet
Definition
Can cause sunburn
Term
Red
Definition
Lowest frequency and longest wavelength of visible light
Term
Cosmic
Definition
This is the highest frequency of the electromagnetic spectrum
Term
Violet
Definition
This is the highest frequency of the electromagnetic spectrum of visible light
Term
Shift
Definition
The Doppler __?__ seems to show whether an object is moving away or coming closer; sometimes reffered to as the Red__?__ or Blue__?__
Term
Spectrum
Definition
Rainbow
Term
Spectroscope
Definition
Device for looking at the sprectra of various light sources
Term
Satellite
Definition
Space instrument that revolves around the planet; can be used for observation and relaying of information
Term
IRAS
Definition
The infrared satellite mentioned in glass
Term
UHURU
Definition
The ultraviolet satellite mentioned in class
Term
Fusion
Definition
Conversion of hydrogen into helium, releases vast amounts of heat and light
Term
Hydrogen
Definition
Lightest gas of all the known gases, fusion into helium provides feul for our sun
Term
Plasma
Definition
Super excited gas
Term
Corona
Definition
The outer atmosphere of the sun
Term
Prominence
Definition
Huge arch of flame that blows out from the sun; falls back onto the surface of the sun
Term
Flare
Definition
A solar __?__ can cause interruptions to the broadcast of radio stations here on earth and causes the Auroras to be formed
Term
Photosphere
Definition
The visible surface of the sun
Term
Chromosphere
Definition
This is the part of the sun that appears to be colored red
Term
Sunspots
Definition
These are relatievely cool parts of the sun's surface
Term
Solarwind
Definition
This is constantly blowinjg away from the sun
Term
Aurora
Definition
Glowing light in the north or exxtreme south poles of our planet
Term
Ptolemy
Definition
Geocentric solar system was his idea
Term
Copernicus
Definition
Polish scientist who believed the sun was the center of the solarsystem
Term
Kepler
Definition
Brilliant in math, this scientist came up with the idea that proved the planets are in elliptical orbits and came up with three laws to govern and predict the position of celestial bodies
Term
Newton
Definition
Responsible for the theory/ law of gravity
Term
Geocentric
Definition
Earth is in the middle
Term
Heliocentric
Definition
The sun is in the middle of our solar system
Term
Elliptical
Definition
The shape of our planet's orbit
Term
EqualArea
Definition
This law simply connects the idea that as planets get closer to the sun they speed up
Term
Terrestrial
Definition
The inner four planets
Term
Mercury
Definition
Small, hot on one side and cold on the other
Term
Venus
Definition
Hot all the time, liquid sulfuric acid in the fumes
Term
Earth
Definition
The only planet with liquid water on it
Term
Mars
Definition
Named after the god of war, found between the asteroid belt and Earth
Term
Jupiter
Definition
Biggest of the planets
Term
Saturn
Definition
Known for its many rings
Term
Uranus
Definition
Revolves sideways and is between Saturn and Neptune
Term
Neptune
Definition
Known for its great Blue spot
Term
Pluto
Definition
Smallest planet, very eccentric orbit
Term
Jovian
Definition
The giant gas planets, planets out past the asteroid belt
Supporting users have an ad free experience!