Solar System Flashcard

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What is an Astronomical Unit (AU)?

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An Astronomical Unit (AU) is a standard unit of measurement used in astronomy to describe distances within our solar system, defined as the average distance from the Earth to the Sun, approximately 93 million miles or 150 million kilometers.

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What is the Kuiper Belt?

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The Kuiper Belt is a region of the solar system beyond the orbit of Neptune, populated with small icy bodies and is the point of origin for many comets.

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What is the Oort Cloud?

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The Oort Cloud is a theoretical cloud of predominantly icy objects that exist in the outermost reaches of the solar system, believed to be the source of long-period comets.

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What is the distance from the Earth to the Sun in miles?

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The distance from the Earth to the Sun is approximately 93 million miles.

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What is the age of our solar system?

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The solar system is approximately 4.6 billion years old.

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What is a light year?

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A light year is the distance that light travels in one year, approximately 5.88 trillion miles (9.46 trillion kilometers), used to measure astronomical distances.

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What is a parsec?

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A parsec is a unit of distance used in astronomy, equivalent to about 3.26 light years, used to measure distances to stars and galaxies.

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What are the main components of the solar system?

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The main components of the solar system include the Sun, eight planets, their moons, dwarf planets, asteroids, comets, and meteoroids.

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What is the significance of the asteroid belt?

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The asteroid belt is a region between Mars and Jupiter that contains numerous rocky bodies, and it is significant for understanding the formation of the solar system.

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What is the difference between a comet and an asteroid?

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Comets are icy bodies that release gas or dust, forming a tail when close to the Sun, while asteroids are rocky bodies that do not have tails.