Earth's Place in the Universe

Front

What is a meteor?

Back

A meteor is a small rock or particle from space that enters the Earth's atmosphere and burns up, creating a bright streak of light in the sky.

Front

What causes the stars to appear to move in the night sky?

Back

The stars appear to move because the Earth is rotating on its axis.

Front

What is the closest celestial body to Earth?

Back

The Moon is the closest celestial body to Earth.

Front

Why does the Sun appear larger and brighter than other stars?

Back

The Sun appears larger and brighter than other stars because it is much closer to Earth.

Front

What is the Milky Way?

Back

The Milky Way is the galaxy that contains our solar system, along with billions of other stars.

Front

What is a comet?

Back

A comet is a small celestial body made of ice, dust, and rocky material that, when close to the Sun, develops a glowing coma and a tail.

Front

What is the difference between a star and a planet?

Back

A star is a massive, luminous sphere of plasma that generates energy through nuclear fusion, while a planet is a celestial body that orbits a star and does not produce its own light.

Front

What is the significance of the North Star (Polaris)?

Back

The North Star, or Polaris, is significant because it is located nearly directly above the North Pole and is used for navigation.

Front

What are blue giant stars?

Back

Blue giant stars are massive stars that are much hotter and brighter than the Sun, burning their fuel quickly.

Front

What is the center of the Milky Way?

Back

The center of the Milky Way is a dense region containing a supermassive black hole and a high concentration of stars.