Introduction to Space Science Vocabulary

Front

What is the definition of a fossil?

Back

A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms.

Front

What is a gaseous planet?

Back

A gaseous planet is a large planet primarily made of gases, such as hydrogen and helium.

Front

What is the distance between Earth and the Sun, and what is it abbreviated as?

Back

The distance is about 150 million kilometers (93 million miles) and is abbreviated as AU (Astronomical Unit).

Front

What is mass?

Back

Mass is the amount of matter in an object.

Front

What causes a crater on a celestial object?

Back

A crater is typically caused by meteorite impact.

Front

What is the primary composition of terrestrial planets?

Back

Terrestrial planets are primarily composed of rock and metal.

Front

What is the difference between a comet and an asteroid?

Back

A comet is composed mostly of ice and dust, while an asteroid is made up of rock and metal.

Front

What is the significance of the Kuiper Belt?

Back

The Kuiper Belt is a region of the solar system beyond Neptune that contains many small icy bodies and is the source of short-period comets.

Front

What is the role of gravity in space?

Back

Gravity is the force that attracts two bodies towards each other, keeping planets in orbit around stars.

Front

What is a black hole?

Back

A black hole is a region of space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from it.