Astronomical Bodies and Models

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Orbit

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A regular, repeating path that one object in space takes around another one.

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Scale Model

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A 3-dimensional representation of an object or system that maintains accurate relationships between the components of the model such as time and distance.

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Gravity

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An attractive force between two masses by which a planet or other body draws objects toward its center.

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Universe

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All of space and time and their contents, including planets, stars, galaxies, and other forms of energy.

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Kuiper Belt

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A large region in the solar system past Neptune where Pluto and other dwarf planets orbit the Sun.

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Asteroid

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A small rocky body that orbits the Sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

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Comet

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

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Galaxy

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A massive system of stars, stellar remnants, interstellar gas, dust, and dark matter, bound together by gravity.

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Black Hole

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A region of space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from it.

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Light Year

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The distance that light travels in one year, approximately 5.88 trillion miles (9.46 trillion kilometers).