Universe and Solar System
A scientist who studies objects in space, such as black holes, galaxies, moons, planets, stars, etc.
What is an Astronomer
Large and small rocks or metallic masses orbiting the Sun; made up of materials similar to those that formed the planets
What is an Asteroid
A push or pull that can change the motion of an object
What is Force
The Moon’s repeated pattern of movement and changes in appearance due to its position relative to Earth and the Sun
What is The Lunar Cycle
The shape of the illuminated portion of the Moon as seen by an observer, usually on Earth
What is Lunar Phases
The study of celestial objects, space, and the universe as a whole
What is Astronomy
The layer of gas surrounding a planet that is held in place by gravity
What is an Atmosphere
The force that causes objects with mass to attract one another
What is Gravity
The slant of Earth’s axis, which is 23.5 degrees from vertical compared to Earth’s orbital plane around the Sun; results in the North Pole always pointing toward the North Star
What is Tilt
The spinning of Earth on its axis that causes day and night to occur
What is Rotation
A theory that says the universe began as a small point that expanded rapidly about 13.7 billion years ago
What is The Big Bang Theory
A celestial body of ice, dust, and rock with an elongated and elliptical orbit
What is a Comet
The tendency of a physical object to remain still or continue moving unless force is applied
What is Inertia?
When the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, covering all or part of the Sun; occurs when the Sun, the Moon, and Earth directly line up; lasts for less than 12 minutes
What is a Solar Eclipse
The movement of one object around a center or another object
What is Revolution
A large grouping of stars in space is called a...
What is a Galaxy
A large celestial body that revolves around a star in a solar system
What is a planet?
A measure of how much matter is present in a substance
What is Mass
The four natural divisions of the year based on changes in temperature due to varying amounts of sunlight received (both intensity and number of daylight hours vary); caused by the tilt of Earth during its revolution
What is Seasons
The general makeup of something
What is Composition
A star and the group of planets and other celestial bodies that are held by its gravitational attraction and revolve around it
What is a Solar System
In comparison to something else
What is Relative
The change in an object’s position with respect to time and in comparison with the position of other objects used as reference points
What is Motion
When the full moon passes into Earth’s shadow, causing the Moon to appear reddish in color when the Sun, Earth, and the Moon directly line up; lasts 1–3½ hours
What is Lunar Eclipse
A curved path followed by a satellite as it revolves around an object
What is an Orbit?