8.8A Components of the Universe Mini Flashcard #1

Front

What is a comet?

Back

A comet is a small celestial body made of ice, dust, and rocky material that, when passing close to the sun, heats up and releases gases, forming a glowing coma and often a tail.

Front

What is a star?

Back

A star is a large celestial body made of gases that emits light and heat due to nuclear reactions occurring in its core.

Front

How does the mass of a moon compare to that of a star?

Back

A moon has less mass than a star.

Front

What is the relationship between a star and a galaxy in terms of mass?

Back

A star has less mass than a galaxy.

Front

What can be classified by brightness and surface temperature?

Back

Stars can be classified by brightness and surface temperature.

Front

What is a nebula?

Back

A nebula is an interstellar cloud of dust and gases, primarily hydrogen and helium, that can be a region where new stars are born.

Front

What is the main sequence phase of a star?

Back

The main sequence is the stable phase in a star's life where it fuses hydrogen into helium in its core.

Front

What is an asteroid?

Back

An asteroid is a small rocky body that orbits the sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Front

What is a galaxy?

Back

A galaxy is a massive system of stars, stellar remnants, interstellar gas, dust, and dark matter, bound together by gravity.

Front

What is a meteor?

Back

A meteor is a small particle from space that burns up upon entering Earth's atmosphere, creating a bright streak of light.