Orbits
What shape do planets follow in their orbits?
Elliptical.
What is the formula for gravitational force?
F = G ((m1xm2/r^2))
What are the two main types of eclipses?
Solar and Lunar
Name the largest planet in our solar system?
Jupiter
What is a meteoroid?
A small rocky or metallic body in space.
Who was the astronomer that developed laws of planetary motion?
Johannes Kepler.
How does distance affect gravitational attraction?
What is the name of the phase when the moon is half illuminated?
Quarter Moon
What is the main component of the Sun?
Hydrogen
What causes a comet's tail?
Sublimation of ice when near the Sun
What is the term for the distance between the foci of an ellipse?
Focal distance.
What analogy is used to describe gravity's pull?
An invisible rubber band
What phase occurs when the Moon is between Earth and the Sun?
New Moon
What are the inner planets known for?
They are rocky and dense.
Where is the asteroid belt located?
Between Mars and Jupiter.
What does the term "eccentricity" describe in an orbit?
How "stretched" an ellipse is
What keeps satellites in motion around Earth?
The balance of gravity's pull and satellite's inertia
What causes the changing phases of the Moon?
The relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon
What is unique about Venus's rotation?
It rotates backward (retrograde motion)
Name an example of a recognized dwarf planet.
Pluto, Ceres, Eris,
What principle explains why planets move faster when closer to the Sun?
Conservation of angular momentum.
What caused the asteroid belt to form?
Jupiter’s gravity prevented material from forming a planet.
Why are solar eclipses considered rare events?
The Moon's orbital plane is tilted, requiring precise alignment
What distinguishes dwarf planets from regular planets?
They have not cleared their orbits and other debris.
What is the difference between a meteor and a meteorite?
A meteor burns in the atmosphere, while a meteorite survives impact with Earth