What’s in Space?
What is the star at the center of our solar system?
The Sun
What causes day and night on Earth?
Earth’s rotation
What do we call how bright a star appears from Earth?
Apparent brightness
What happens during a lunar eclipse?
Earth is between Sun and Moon; Moon passes into Earth’s shadow.
What force pulls objects toward the center of the Earth?
Gravity
Name the large collection of stars, gas and dust that includes our solar system.
Galaxy
What do we call Earth’s movement around the Sun?
Revolution
What do we call how bright a star would be at a standard distance?
Absolute brightness
What happens during a solar eclipse?
Moon is between Sun and Earth; Moon blocks Sun from view.
Why do planets orbit the Sun instead of flying off into space?
Because of the Sun’s gravitational pull and their orbital motion.
What is the term for the system of planets and other objects orbiting a star?
Solar system
At what axis orientation does Earth spin relative to the Sun?
Axis tilt (about 23.5°)
Why does the Sun appear brighter than distant stars?
Because it is much closer to Earth.
What is a moon phase?
The shape of the lit part of the Moon as seen from Earth changes.
Name one tool that scientists use to explore or study space.
Telescope, satellite, space probe, rover
What term describes everything (all matter and energy) in existence?
Universe
Why do the stars we see in the night sky change over the year?
Because Earth is orbiting the Sun and facing different directions.
What is a constellation?
A pattern of stars seen from Earth.
Why do constellations appear to shift positions in the night sky over a year?
Because Earth moves around the Sun, changing our viewpoint.
How do satellites help us learn about space systems?
They collect images/data, monitor objects, extend human observation beyond Earth.
Name two types of objects in our solar system besides planets and the Sun.
Moons, asteroids, comets, meteoroids
What observable pattern is caused by Earth’s rotation regarding shadows?
Shadows change direction and length throughout the day.
Give one reason a star might appear dimmer even if it is actually brighter.
It could be much farther away or blocked by dust/distance.
What term describes the apparent alignment of stars seen only in specific months?
Seasonal constellations
Name one woman who made a major contribution to space exploration or astronomy.
(Accept a valid historical contribution such as Sally Ride, Mae Jemison, etc.)