5th grade U4L3: Our solar System

Front

What is a light-year?

Back

A light-year is the distance that light travels in one year, used to measure vast distances in space.

Front

Why do astronomers use light-years instead of kilometers?

Back

Because stars are so far from Earth that writing their distance in kilometers becomes awkward.

Front

What are the inner planets of our solar system?

Back

The inner planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, and they are made out of solid, dense rock.

Front

What do all inner planets have in common?

Back

They are all made out of solid, dense rock.

Front

What are the two types of satellites?

Back

Natural satellites (like moons) and artificial satellites (man-made objects in orbit).

Front

What is a meteoroid?

Back

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

Front

What happens when a meteoroid enters Earth's atmosphere?

Back

It is called a meteor and can create a bright streak of light in the sky.

Front

What is a meteor?

Back

A meteor is a meteoroid that has entered Earth's atmosphere and produces a visible streak of light.

Front

What is a comet?

Back

A comet is a small icy body that, when passing close to the Sun, develops a glowing coma and tail.

Front

What happens to comets as they approach the Sun?

Back

They develop enormous tails of luminous material due to the heat from the Sun.