Grade 4-5 Science Vocabulary: Space Concepts

Front

What is an astronomical unit (AU)?

Back

An astronomical unit (AU) is a measurement of distance used to describe the distance between planets and the Sun.

Front

What is the tail of a comet made of?

Back

The tail of a comet is made of gas and dust that is pushed away by the Sun.

Front

Which of the following is a planet?

Back

Earth is a planet.

Front

What does 'heliocentric' mean?

Back

Heliocentric means that the Sun is at the center of the solar system.

Front

What is Earth's atmosphere?

Back

Earth's atmosphere is the layer of gases that surround the planet.

Front

What is a planet?

Back

A planet is a large celestial body that orbits a star.

Front

What is a comet?

Back

A comet is a small icy body that, when passing close to the Sun, heats up and releases gases, forming a glowing coma and tail.

Front

What is the solar system?

Back

The solar system is a collection of planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and the Sun, all bound by gravity.

Front

What is gravity?

Back

Gravity is the force that pulls objects toward each other, like the Earth pulling us down.

Front

What is a star?

Back

A star is a massive, luminous sphere of plasma held together by gravity, like the Sun.