Planetary Science Flashcard

Front

What separates the outer planets from the inner planets?

Back

The asteroid belt is the region that separates the inner rocky planets from the outer gas giants in our solar system.

Front

Why are there longer and warmer days during the summer in the northern hemisphere?

Back

During summer, the northern hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, resulting in longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures.

Front

Which object in our solar system contains the most mass?

Back

The sun contains the most mass in our solar system, accounting for about 99.86% of the total mass.

Front

What theory has the sun at the center and all other planets rotating around it?

Back

The heliocentric theory posits that the sun is at the center of the solar system, with planets, including Earth, orbiting around it.

Front

What position is the northern hemisphere in winter?

Back

In winter, the northern hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, leading to shorter days and cooler temperatures.

Front

What are the inner planets primarily composed of?

Back

The inner planets, also known as terrestrial planets, are primarily composed of rock and metal.

Front

What are the outer planets primarily composed of?

Back

The outer planets, known as gas giants, are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium.

Front

What is the significance of the Great Red Spot on Jupiter?

Back

The Great Red Spot is a massive storm on Jupiter, larger than Earth, that has been raging for at least 350 years.

Front

How does the tilt of Earth's axis affect seasons?

Back

The tilt of Earth's axis (approximately 23.5 degrees) causes different parts of the Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year, leading to the changing seasons.

Front

What is the Kuiper Belt?

Back

The Kuiper Belt is a region of the solar system beyond Neptune, populated with small icy bodies and dwarf planets, including Pluto.