Flashcard on the Oort Cloud

Front

What is an astronomical unit (AU)?

Back

The distance from the Earth to the Sun, approximately 93 million miles or 150 million kilometers.

Front

Why are scientists certain about the existence of the Oort Cloud?

Back

Scientists are certain about the existence of the Oort Cloud due to the laws of gravity, which explain the orbits of long-period comets.

Front

What evidence supports the existence of the Oort Cloud?

Back

Theoretical models and the study of comets' orbits provide evidence for the existence of the Oort Cloud.

Front

What is the Oort Cloud?

Back

The Oort Cloud is a spherical area surrounding the solar system, filled with icy chunks and planetesimals.

Front

What happens to objects in space due to gravity?

Back

Objects in space tend to form a disk due to the gravitational forces acting upon them.

Front

What are comets primarily composed of?

Back

Comets are primarily composed of ice, dust, and rocky material.

Front

How do comets behave when they approach the Sun?

Back

When comets approach the Sun, they heat up, causing their ices to vaporize and form a glowing coma and tail.

Front

What is the difference between the Oort Cloud and the Kuiper Belt?

Back

The Oort Cloud is a distant spherical shell surrounding the solar system, while the Kuiper Belt is a flat region of icy bodies located beyond Neptune.

Front

What role do comets play in understanding the early solar system?

Back

Comets are considered time capsules that contain primitive materials from the early solar system, providing insights into its formation.

Front

What is the significance of the Oort Cloud in the study of celestial objects?

Back

The Oort Cloud is significant as it is believed to be the source of long-period comets that enter the inner solar system.