Solar System Basics
What is at the center of our solar system?
The Sun
Which object emits light: the Sun or the Moon?
Sun
What is a rock broken off from an asteroid in space called?
Meteoroid
What tool lets us see far into space?
Telescope
This is the only known planet that can sustain life
Earth
What force keeps planets in orbit?
Gravity
Why can we see the Moon?
It reflects sunlight
What is the streak of light in the sky (that has just entered the Earth's atmosphere) called?
Meteor
What orbits Earth and sends data?
Satellite
Which is the hottest planet?
Venus
What is the path of a planet around the Sun called?
Orbit
Give one example of something that reflects light
planets, moons
What is it called when the rock hits Earth?
Meteorite
What explores the surface of Mars?
Rover
What do we call Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars?
Rocky Planets
What do we call natural objects in space?
Celestial Bodies
Explain the difference between emitting and reflecting light
Emit = produce light; reflect = bounce light
Why do meteors glow?
Friction with atmosphere causes them to burn
Give the names of the two rovers in Mars
Curiosity and Perseverance
What do we call Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune?
Gas Giants
Why don’t planets fly off into space?
The gravity of the sun holds them in orbit
Why can we see planets even though they don’t emit light?
They reflect sunlight
What type of celestial body brought an end to the dinosaurs?
Asteroid
What type of technology simulates conditions and scenarios in outer space?
Computer Modelling
What is one key difference between rocky planets and gas giants?
Solid surface vs gas composition