My Place in Space/ Distance in Space

Front

What is a galaxy?

Back

A galaxy is a massive system that can be made of gases, dust, and hundreds of billions of stars.

Front

What does 1 AU represent in space measurements?

Back

1 AU (Astronomical Unit) is the average distance from the Earth to the Sun, approximately 93 million miles.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

Front

Why do we use light years and astronomical units to measure distances in space?

Back

We use light years and astronomical units because space is too vast to use traditional units like miles.

Front

How many stars are typically found in a galaxy?

Back

A galaxy typically contains billions of stars.

Front

What is the largest object in our solar system?

Back

The Sun is the largest object in our solar system.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

Front

What are the main components of a galaxy?

Back

The main components of a galaxy include stars, gas, dust, and dark matter.

Front

What is the difference between a light year and an astronomical unit?

Back

A light year is the distance light travels in one year, while an astronomical unit is the average distance from the Earth to the Sun.

Front

What role do galaxies play in the universe?

Back

Galaxies are the fundamental building blocks of the universe, containing stars, planets, and other celestial bodies.

Front

How do scientists estimate the number of stars in a galaxy?

Back

Scientists estimate the number of stars in a galaxy by observing its brightness and size, and using statistical models.

Front

What is dark matter and its significance in galaxies?

Back

Dark matter is a form of matter that does not emit light or energy, and it is significant because it makes up a large portion of the mass in galaxies.