Astronomy Flashcard

Front

Which color of visible light has the shortest wavelength?

Back

Violet

Front

What is the term for a system of millions or billions of stars, together with gas and dust, held together by gravitational attraction?

Back

Galaxy

Front

In which direction does the plane of a Foucault pendulum rotate in the Northern Hemisphere?

Back

Counterclockwise

Front

Which path casts the shortest shadow during the year?

Back

Summer Solstice

Front

How does the angle of insolation affect temperature?

Back

Higher angles result in higher temperatures.

Front

What is the visible spectrum?

Back

The range of colors that can be seen by the human eye, typically from red to violet.

Front

What is a comet?

Back

A celestial object made of ice and dust that, when close to the sun, displays a visible atmosphere or coma and sometimes a tail.

Front

Define a solar system.

Back

A collection of celestial bodies, including a star and the planets, moons, asteroids, and comets that orbit it.

Front

What is the difference between a planet and a star?

Back

A planet orbits a star and does not produce its own light, while a star generates light and heat through nuclear fusion.

Front

What is the significance of the equinox?

Back

The equinox is the time when day and night are of approximately equal length, occurring twice a year.