Gravity & Our Solar System

Front

What is a meteorite?

Back

A meteorite is a solid fragment of a meteoroid that survives its passage through the Earth's atmosphere and lands on the surface of the Earth.

Front

What do we call the path an object takes when it travels around another object in space?

Back

This path is called an orbit.

Front

What are the three essential elements Astrobiologists look for when searching for life beyond Earth?

Back

Astrobiologists look for liquid water, an oxygen-containing atmosphere, and an energy source.

Front

What is the average distance between the Earth and the Sun called?

Back

The average distance is called an astronomical unit (AU).

Front

What are the first four planets closest to the Sun categorized as?

Back

They are categorized as Terrestrial Planets.

Front

What are Terrestrial Planets?

Back

Terrestrial Planets are rocky planets that are composed primarily of silicate rocks or metals and have solid surfaces.

Front

Name the four Terrestrial Planets in our Solar System.

Back

The four Terrestrial Planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.

Front

What is the significance of liquid water in the search for extraterrestrial life?

Back

Liquid water is essential for life as we know it, serving as a solvent for biochemical reactions.

Front

What role does an oxygen-containing atmosphere play in supporting life?

Back

An oxygen-containing atmosphere is crucial for respiration in many life forms and can indicate biological processes.

Front

What is the difference between a meteoroid, meteor, and meteorite?

Back

A meteoroid is a small rocky or metallic body in outer space; a meteor is the streak of light produced when a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere; a meteorite is what remains of a meteoroid after it lands on Earth.