Astronomy Definitions Quiz

What is the Sun?

• A star at the center of our solar system

• A planet

• A dwarf planet

• An asteroid

What defines a planet? (Select all that apply.)

• It orbits the Sun

• It has cleared its orbit

• It is spherical in shape

• It is made of gas

What is a dwarf planet?

• A small planet that does not clear its orbit

• A large moon

• A type of asteroid

• A star

What is an asteroid?

• A small rocky body orbiting the Sun

• A large gas giant

• A type of comet

• A moon

What is a comet?

• A small icy body that releases gas

• A type of planet

• A star

• A dwarf planet

What is a moon?

• A natural satellite orbiting a planet

• A type of star

• A dwarf planet

• An asteroid

What is the Kuiper Belt?

• A region of the solar system beyond Neptune

• A type of asteroid

• A dwarf planet

• A star cluster

What is the Oort Cloud?

• A theoretical cloud of icy bodies surrounding the solar system

• A type of planet

• A star

• A moon

Describe the general location of the orbits of planets.

What shape do the orbits of planets typically have?