Space Science Flashcard

Front

What is a comet?

Back

A comet is a small celestial body that orbits the Sun and has a tail that forms when it gets close to the Sun, causing it to melt.

Front

What causes a solar eclipse?

Back

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon blocks light from the Sun from reaching the Earth.

Front

Where do meteoroids originate?

Back

Meteoroids are pieces of rocks and dust that come from comets or asteroids.

Front

What are moons?

Back

Moons are naturally occurring satellites that orbit planets.

Front

What is a galaxy?

Back

A galaxy is a large region of space that contains billions of stars, dust, and gas.

Front

What is the Solar System?

Back

The Solar System is the collection of planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and the Sun that are bound by gravity.

Front

What is the difference between a meteoroid, meteor, and meteorite?

Back

A meteoroid is a small rock or particle from space; a meteor is the streak of light produced when a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere; a meteorite is a meteoroid that survives its passage through the atmosphere and lands on Earth.

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 the Universe?

Back

The Universe is the vast expanse of space that contains all matter, energy, planets, stars, galaxies, and the contents of intergalactic space.

Front

What is the difference between a planet and a star?

Back

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