Star positions from Earth

The positions of stars from Earth relative to each other do not seem to change.

Definition of a planet

A planet is an object that orbits the sun.

Criteria for a planet's size

It must be large enough to have become rounded by its own gravity.

Orbit clearing requirement for a planet

It must have cleared its orbit of any debris.

Number of planets in our solar system

There are 8 planets in our solar system.

A streak of light produced when a meteoroid burns up as it enters Earth's atmosphere.

A cold mixture of dust and ice that develops a long trail of light as it approaches the sun.

A small fragment of an asteroid.

A large lump of space rock, usually orbiting the Sun.

A space rock that has landed on Earth's surface.

Comets are rarer sights than meteors.

When a comet is far from the sun it is frozen; as it approaches the sun, it develops a tail of hot dust and gases.

Constellation definition

A constellation is a pattern of stars that people imagine to represent a figure or symbol.

Cultural origins of constellations

Constellations are often linked to ancient Roman or Greek mythologies.

Total number of constellations

There are a total of 88 constellations in our night sky.

Examples of constellations

Examples of constellations include Sagittarius, Leo, Taurus, Gemini, Pegasus, Aquarius, Cetus, and Virgo.

A star map showing constellations such as Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Draco, Cassiopeia, and others.

This is a star map depicting various constellations visible in the night sky, including Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Draco, Cassiopeia, and more.

Silhouettes of two bears representing Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.

Ursa Major and Ursa Minor are constellations often depicted as bears. Ursa Major contains the Big Dipper, and Ursa Minor contains the Little Dipper.

The Gemini constellation includes notable stars such as Castor and Pollux.

Castor and Pollux are notable stars in the Gemini constellation.

NGC 2392 is a notable object in the Gemini constellation.

NGC 2392 is a notable astronomical object in Gemini.

Messier 35 and NGC 2158 are located in the Gemini constellation.

Messier 35 and NGC 2158 are notable star clusters in Gemini.

The positions of objects in the sky depend on the motions of Earth.

Stars appear to move from east to west through the night.

The stars appear to make a circular path at the poles.

This is caused by Earth rotating from west to east (counterclockwise).

Sun's Apparent Motion

The sun’s apparent motion is also caused by Earth’s rotation.

Diagram of the celestial sphere showing the ecliptic, celestial equator, horizon, and zenith.

The diagram illustrates the celestial sphere, highlighting the ecliptic path, celestial equator, horizon, and zenith. It also shows the Earth's axial tilt of 23.5 degrees.

Constellations and star patterns remain the same from year to year.

However, their visibility varies from season to season.

The Earth's revolution and orbit around the sun.

What causes constellation changes due to the season?

The Earth is on the other side of the sun.

What happens to the Earth after 6 months?

They are now behind the sun.

What happens to constellations that used to appear in the night sky?

Image of a starry night sky with constellations.

A visual representation of constellations and their seasonal changes.

The Changing View of the Night Sky

The diagram illustrates how Earth's position in its orbit affects the constellations visible in the night sky at different times of the year.

Models of the Solar System

From Earth, celestial bodies look like they are moving around the Earth.

Ancient scientists' observation

Ancient scientists noticed that even though stars move, they stayed in the same position relative to one another.

The Geocentric Model indicates that Earth is the center of the universe, with all planets and stars circling it.

Diagram of the Geocentric Model

The diagram illustrates the Geocentric Model, where Earth is at the center, surrounded by the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

Astronomy Concepts Flashcards

Student preview

91 questions

Show all answers

1.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

Stars appear to move

Back

because of the Earth's rotation.

2.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

The moon shines

Back

because it reflects light from the sun.

3.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

The moon and planets shine

Back

because they reflect light from the sun.

4.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

Earth's moon

Back

The bright and largest object in our sky; Earth's only natural satellite.

5.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

Satellite

Back

A body that orbits a planet.

6.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

Stars in the night sky

Back

Appear like small twinkles.

7.

FLASHCARD QUESTION

Front

Star composition

Back

A giant ball of superheated gas, or plasma, composed of hydrogen and helium.

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