Solar flares are eruptions that occur when gas on the surface of the sun become extremely hot.
100
Describe the asteroid belt.
The asteroid belt contains asteroids revolving around the sun between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
100
How many moons are in the solar system?
There are 165 moons in our solar system.
100
How is Venus similar to Earth?
Venus is similar to Earth in its density and internal structure.
100
Who is Galileo?
Galileo was the first scientist to use a telescope to make discoveries.
200
Describe an asteroid.
Asteroids are rocky objects in orbit that are too small and too numerous to be considered planets.
200
How many moons are in the Universe?
There are billions of moons in the Universe.
200
Place the following in order as they appear in size: Galaxy, Universe, Solar System.
Universe, Galaxy, Solar System
200
Why do scientists often refer to Earth as having 'Goldilocks conditions' ?
Earth has liquid water, appropriate temperature range, and a favorable atmosphere.
200
Describe a meteor.
A meteor is a flash of light produced when a meteoroid passes through Earth's atmosphere.
300
Differentiate between a geocentric model of the planets and a heliocentric model of the planets.
A geocentric model of the planets is Earth-centered and a heliocentric model of the planets is sun-centered.
300
How far, in miles, is the distance from Earth to Sun?
92 million miles
300
Why do scientists use light years to measure distances in the Universe?
There is such great distances between objects in the Universe.
300
How does the sun get its energy?
The sun's energy comes from nuclear fusion (hydrogen atoms join together to form helium).
300
How are all four terrestrial planets alike?
All four terrestrial planets have rocky surfaces.
400
Describe a comet.
A comet is a loose collection of ice, dust, and small rocky particles that has a long, narrow orbit. Meteoroids often come from comets.
400
How many miles are in one light year?
There are about 5.9 trillion miles in one light year.
400
Describe prominences.
Prominences are loops of gas on the sun that link different parts of sunspot regions together.
400
Describe sunspots.
Sunspots are areas of gas on the sun that are cooler than the gases around them.
400
Describe how Kepler used Brahe's observations.
Kepler used Brahe's observations to show that the orbits of the planets are ellipses/elliptical.
500
Describe meteorites.
Meteorites are meteoroids that entered our atmosphere and hit Earth without completely burning up.
500
Which six planets were known to the ancient Greeks?
Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn were known to the ancient Greeks.
500
How do scientists determine if a planet is a planet?
Determination of a planet: must orbit the sun, must be massive enough to form its own orbit, and must have enough mass for its on gravity to shape it into a sphere.
500
Describe the sun's convection zone.
In the sun's convection zone, hot gases rise and move energy toward the sun's surface.
500
Why do scientists believe Europa could support life?
Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, may have liquid water or an ocean beneath its icy surface that could support life.