Astronomy Flashcards (Earth Science)

Front

The twin of Earth; it has an uncontrolled greenhouse effect

Back

Venus

Front

The four outer planets of our solar system that have massive gaseous atmospheres; composed mainly of hydrogen and helium

Back

Gas giants

Front

A ring of rocky material located between Mars and Jupiter; it separates the inner and outer planets

Back

Asteroid belt

Front

A ring of rocky and icy material located outside the orbit of Neptune

Back

Kuiper Belt

Front

A rocky and icy body with a very eccentric orbit and a tail; its tail always points away from the Sun due to the solar wind

Back

Comet

Front

A rocky object that burns up in Earth's atmosphere; also called a shooting star

Back

Meteor

Front

A meteorite that reaches and hits the Earth's surface; generally very small but can be large; main theory of why dinosaurs went extinct 65 million years ago

Back

Meteorite

Front

Caused by the Earth's tilt of 23.5o

Back

Seasons

Front

When the Earth is tilted as far north or south as possible; marks the first day of summer and winter; around June 21 and December 21

Back

Solstice

Front

When the sun is over the celestial equator; it marks the first day of spring and autumn; around March 21 and September 21

Back

Equinox