Astronomy Vocabulary Quiz

A huge system of gases, dust, and stars

• galaxy
• star cluster
• nebula
• universe

A group of objects that orbit in the center and the star

• solar system
• nebula
• planetary system
• galaxy

A huge ball of superheated gas

• star
• asteroid
• comet
• planet

An imaginary line that extends through both poles of a planet

• Axis
• Latitude
• Meridian
• Equator

A large object that orbits a star

• Moon
• Comet
• Asteroid
• Planet

A group of stars that form a recognizable pattern that is traditionally named after its shape or identified with a mythological figure.

• constellation
• nebula
• galaxy
• star cluster

All existing matter and space considered as a whole

• the galaxy
• a planet
• the solar system
• the universe

Small rocky bodies that orbit the sun

• Planets
• Moons
• Comets
• Asteroids

A piece of rock or metal that burns and glows brightly in the sky as it falls from outer space into the earths atmosphere.

• Comet
• Meteor
• Satellite
• Asteroid

The shape of the illuminated (sunlit) portion of the moon as seen by an observer, usually on earth

• Moon phase
• Lunar eclipse
• Solar flare
• Planetary alignment