8.8A Components of the Universe Mini Flashcard #1

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What is a star?

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A star is a massive, luminous sphere of plasma held together by gravity, undergoing nuclear fusion in its core, which produces light and heat.

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What is a galaxy?

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A galaxy is a vast collection of stars, gas, dust, and dark matter bound together by gravity. Examples include the Milky Way and Andromeda.

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What is a nebula?

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A nebula is a giant cloud of dust and gas in space, often the birthplace of stars. It can be a region of star formation or the remnants of dead stars.

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What is a planet?

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A planet is a celestial body that orbits a star, is spherical in shape, and has cleared its orbit of other debris.

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What is a comet?

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A comet is a small icy body that, when passing close to the sun, heats up and releases gases, forming a glowing coma and often a tail.

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What is an asteroid?

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An asteroid is a small rocky body that orbits the sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

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What is a meteor?

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A meteor is a small particle from space that burns up upon entering Earth's atmosphere, creating a bright streak of light.

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What is the main sequence phase of a star?

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The main sequence is the longest phase in a star's life cycle, where it fuses hydrogen into helium in its core.

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What is the difference between a star and a galaxy?

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A star is a single luminous object, while a galaxy is a collection of billions of stars, along with gas and dust.

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What are the components of the universe in order from smallest to largest?

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Planets, stars, nebulae, galaxies.