Stars and Constellations
Stars are balls of hot, explosive gas that make their own light and heat energy by burning hydrogen and turning it into helium through nuclear fusion.
What is the name of Earth's closest star?
Earth's closest star is the Sun.
What force pulls objects towards the center of the Earth?
The force that pulls objects toward the center of the Earth is called Gravity.
What is the spinning of the Earth on its axis called?
The spinning of the Earth on its axis is called rotation.
What affects the tides on Earth?
The Moon's gravity creates tidal forces on Earth, causing the ocean tides to rise and fall.
What is a group of stars that forms a recognizable pattern called?
A group of stars that forms a recognizable pattern is called a constellation.
What is the imaginary line around which the Earth rotates?
The imaginary line around which the Earth rotates is called its axis.
Why do objects fall to the ground when dropped?
Objects fall to the ground when dropped due to the force of gravity pulling them downwards.
How many seasons does Earth experience in a year?
Earth experiences four seasons in a year.
Why do astronauts float in space?
Astronauts float in space because there is no gravity in space.
What is the star called that is often used to find the direction North?
The North Star
What is the name of the galaxy that contains our solar system?
The galaxy that contains our solar system is called the Milky Way Galaxy.
What would happen if there was no gravity on Earth?
If there was no gravity on Earth, objects would float off into space.
What causes day and night on Earth?
Day and night on Earth are caused by the rotation of the Earth on its axis.
What is the name of the phenomenon where the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, blocking the Sun's light and casting a shadow on Earth?
The phenomenon where the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, blocking the Sun's light and casting a shadow on Earth is called a Solar Eclipse.
How are constellations helpful for navigation?
Constellations are helpful for navigation because they can be used as reference points to find directions.
How long does it take for the Earth to complete one orbit around the Sun?
It takes Earth approximately 365.25 days (or one year) to complete one orbit around the Sun.
How does gravity keep the Moon in orbit around the Earth?
Gravity keeps the Moon in orbit around the Earth by exerting a gravitational force that constantly pulls the Moon towards the Earth.
What is the movement of Earth around the Sun called?
The movement of Earth around the Sun is called its orbit.
What is a meteor shower and how does it occur?
A meteor shower is a celestial event where a larger number of meteors than usual enter Earth's atmosphere and burn up, creating streaks of light in the night sky. It occurs when Earth passes through the debris trail left by a comet.
What is the difference between a star and a planet?
The main difference between a star and a planet is that a star produces its own light through nuclear fusion, while a planet does not produce its own light and instead reflects light from a star.
How does the tilt of the Earth's axis affect the seasons?
The tilt of the Earth's axis causes different amounts of sunlight to reach different parts of the Earth at different times, leading to the seasons.
How does gravity affect the movement of planets in the solar system?
Gravity affects the movement of planets in the solar system by keeping them in orbit around the Sun and influencing their trajectories.
How do the Earth's movements contribute to the changing lengths of days and nights throughout the year?
The changing lengths of days and nights throughout the year are caused by the Earth's rotation and its orbit around the Sun. The tilt of the Earth's axis and its position in orbit affect how much sunlight different parts of the Earth receive, resulting in varying daylight hours during different seasons.
How does the atmosphere protect life on Earth from the dangers of space?
The atmosphere protects life on Earth by absorbing harmful solar radiation, regulating temperature, and providing the air we breathe. It acts as a shield against space debris and helps maintain stable conditions for life to thrive.