The Solar System
What is the largest planet in our solar system?
Jupiter
What is the closest star to Earth?
The Sun
What causes the Moon to shine?
It reflects light from the Sun.
What causes day and night?
Earth’s rotation on its axis.
What was the first man-made satellite launched into space?
Sputnik 1
What is the smallest planet in our solar system?
Mercury
What do we call a group of stars that form a pattern in the sky?
Constellation
How long does it take for the Moon to orbit the Earth?
About 27.3 days
Why do we have seasons?
Because Earth is tilted on its axis as it orbits the Sun.
Who was the first person to walk on the Moon?
Neil Armstrong
What force keeps planets in orbit around the Sun?
Gravity
What is the name of the North Star?
Polaris
Name the four main phases of the Moon.
New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, Last Quarter
When is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere?
Summer Solstice – around June 21
What do astronauts wear to survive in space?
A spacesuit
Why does Venus appear so bright in the night sky?
Its thick atmosphere reflects sunlight well.
What is the life cycle of a star?
Nebula → Protostar → Main Sequence → Red Giant/Supergiant → White Dwarf or Black Hole
What causes a lunar eclipse?
The Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon.
What is an equinox?
A day when day and night are almost equal, occurring in spring and fall.
What is the International Space Station (ISS) used for?
Scientific research and international cooperation in space.
What is the difference between an asteroid and a comet?
Asteroids are rocky; comets are made of ice and dust and have tails.
What is a supernova?
A massive explosion at the end of a large star’s life cycle.
Why do we always see the same side of the Moon from Earth?
The Moon rotates and orbits at the same rate – synchronous rotation.
Why are places near the equator always warm?
They get direct sunlight all year long.
What is the purpose of a telescope?
To observe objects in space by collecting light.