Galaxies and Light Years

Front

What is a galaxy?

Back

A galaxy is made up of billions of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity.

Front

Where is our Sun located in the Milky Way Galaxy?

Back

Our Sun is located 2/3 out on one of the arms of the Milky Way Galaxy.

Front

What type of galaxy has no clear shape and is the result of two colliding galaxies?

Back

An irregular galaxy.

Front

What is the speed of light in space?

Back

186,000 miles per second.

Front

Why is a sunset considered an optical illusion?

Back

It takes 8.4 minutes for the sunlight to reach Earth.

Front

What are the main components of a galaxy?

Back

Stars, gas, dust, and dark matter.

Front

What is the difference between a spiral galaxy and an elliptical galaxy?

Back

A spiral galaxy has arms that spiral outward, while an elliptical galaxy is more rounded and lacks distinct arms.

Front

What is the closest galaxy to the Milky Way?

Back

The Andromeda Galaxy.

Front

How do astronomers measure distances in space?

Back

Astronomers use light years to measure distances in space.

Front

What is a light year?

Back

A light year is the distance that light travels in one year, approximately 5.88 trillion miles.