Introduction to Space Science Vocabulary

Front

What is the definition of diameter?

Back

Diameter is a straight line passing from side to side through the center of a body or figure, especially a circle or sphere.

Front

What is a meteoroid?

Back

A meteoroid is a small rocky or metallic body in outer space.

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 an asteroid?

Back

An asteroid is a small rocky body that orbits the Sun.

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-ESS1-1

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Front

What are the main components of a planet's atmosphere?

Back

The main components of a planet's atmosphere can include gases like nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and trace gases.

Front

What distinguishes terrestrial planets from gaseous planets?

Back

Terrestrial planets are rocky and have solid surfaces, while gaseous planets are primarily composed of gases.

Front

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

Back

A meteoroid is a small rocky or metallic body in space; a meteor is the streak of light produced when a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere; a meteorite is a meteoroid that survives its passage through the atmosphere and lands on Earth.

Front

What role do asteroids play in the solar system?

Back

Asteroids are remnants from the early solar system and can provide insights into its formation and evolution.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-6

Front

What is the Kuiper Belt?

Back

The Kuiper Belt is a region of the solar system beyond Neptune, populated with small icy bodies, including many comets and dwarf planets.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

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