Understanding Stars and Galaxies

Front

What is a star?

Back

A star is a massive, luminous sphere of plasma held together by gravity, which produces energy through nuclear fusion.

Front

Why does Earth receive more energy from the Sun than from other stars?

Back

Because the Sun is the closest star to Earth.

Front

What is a planet?

Back

A planet is a celestial body that orbits a star, is spherical in shape, and has cleared its orbit of other debris.

Front

What are the inner planets?

Back

The inner planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars; they are rocky and closer to the Sun.

Front

What are the outer planets?

Back

The outer planets are Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune; they are gas giants and farther from the Sun.

Front

What is a comet?

Back

A comet is a small celestial body made of ice, dust, and rocky particles that, when close to the Sun, develops a glowing tail.

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 Milky Way?

Back

The Milky Way is the galaxy that contains our solar system, composed of billions of stars, gas, and dust.

Front

What is the closest planet to the Sun?

Back

Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun.

Front

What is the largest planet in our solar system?

Back

Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system.