Astronomy and Earth Science Basics

Front

A large system of stars held together by mutual gravitation and isolated from similar systems by vast regions of space.

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Galaxy

Front

The galaxy containing our solar system.

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Milky Way

Front

A large body in space that orbits a star and does not produce its own light.

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Planet

Front

An object that is found in the solar system, orbits the Sun, and is much smaller than a planet.

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Asteroid

Front

A system of planets and other bodies that orbit a star.

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Solar system

Front

A natural object (satellite) that orbits a planet.

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Moon

Front

An object made of rock, ice, dust, and gas that revolves around the Sun.

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Comet

Front

The path that one object in space takes around another object in space.

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Orbit

Front

The motion of one object around another object.

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Revolution

Front

The turning of an object on its axis.

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Rotation