Intro to the Solar System Astronomy Flashcard

Front

What is the major axis of an ellipse?

Back

A line that passes through the two foci and the center of the ellipse.

Front

How is eccentricity defined in relation to an ellipse?

Back

Eccentricity measures how round or flattened an ellipse is.

Front

What does prograde motion refer to?

Back

Prograde motion refers to direct motion, where an object is moving forwards.

Front

What is a satellite in astronomical terms?

Back

A celestial or man-made body that orbits another celestial body.

Front

Who is credited with creating the heliocentric model of the solar system?

Back

Copernicus.

Front

What is the definition of an ellipse?

Back

An ellipse is a shape that is a closed curve, where the sum of the distances from any point on the curve to the two foci is constant.

Front

What is the significance of the foci in an ellipse?

Back

The foci are two fixed points that define the shape of the ellipse and are used in its mathematical description.

Front

What is the difference between prograde and retrograde motion?

Back

Prograde motion is when an object moves in the same direction as the rotation of its primary, while retrograde motion is when it moves in the opposite direction.

Front

What is the role of gravity in the orbits of celestial bodies?

Back

Gravity is the force that keeps celestial bodies in orbit around one another.

Front

What is the difference between a natural satellite and an artificial satellite?

Back

A natural satellite is a celestial body that naturally orbits a planet (like the Moon), while an artificial satellite is man-made and launched into orbit.