Introduction to Space Science Vocabulary

Front

What is the definition of orbit?

Back

The path an object takes as it moves around another object due to gravity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Front

What is Gravity?

Back

A force that attracts objects toward each other.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-4

Front

What is a Meteoroid?

Back

A small rocky or metallic body in outer space.

Front

What is a model in space science?

Back

A representation used to study objects, ideas, or phenomena that are too complex, distant, large, or small to study directly.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Front

What is a meteorite?

Back

A rock from space that reaches the Earth's surface.

Front

What is the difference between a meteoroid and a meteorite?

Back

A meteoroid is a small body in space, while a meteorite is a meteoroid that has landed on Earth.

Front

What causes the gravitational pull between two objects?

Back

The mass of the objects and the distance between them.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Front

What is the role of gravity in the formation of orbits?

Back

Gravity keeps celestial bodies in orbit around each other.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

Front

What is a comet?

Back

A small icy body that, when passing close to the sun, heats up and begins to release gases, forming a visible atmosphere or coma.

Front

What is the difference between a planet and a dwarf planet?

Back

A planet is a celestial body that orbits a star and has cleared its orbit of other debris, while a dwarf planet is similar but has not cleared its orbit.