Year 7 Astronomy Vocabulary for the Stars!

Orbit

• The path an object takes as it moves around another object (like Earth around the Sun).

• A type of celestial body that orbits a star.

• The force that keeps planets in motion around the sun.

• A measurement of the distance between two stars.

Construct

• Make or put together something (like a model or diagram).

• Break down into smaller parts.

• Analyze the components of a system.

• Create a theoretical framework.

Revolution

• When one object moves all the way around another object, like the Earth around the Sun.

• A sudden and radical change in government or political system.

• The process of rotating around an axis or center point.

• A gradual change in the position of an object over time.

Asteroid

• A small rocky object that moves around the Sun, mostly found between Mars and Jupiter.

• A large gaseous planet located beyond Neptune.

• A celestial body that orbits a star and is primarily made of ice.

• A fragment of a planet that has broken apart and floats in space.

Represent

• Show an idea using a diagram, graph, or another method.

• Express a thought verbally without any visual aid.

• Create a written report summarizing information.

• Illustrate a concept through storytelling.

Telescope

• A tool used to see distant objects in space more clearly.

• A device for measuring temperature.

• An instrument for recording sound waves.

• A machine for analyzing chemical compounds.

Geocentric

• A model of the Solar System where Earth is at the centre.

• A model of the Solar System where the Sun is at the centre.

• A model of the Solar System that includes only the Moon.

• A model of the Solar System that describes the orbits of comets.

Planet

• A large object that moves around a star (like the Sun).

• A small rock that orbits a planet.

• A celestial body that emits its own light.

• A collection of stars in a galaxy.

Comet

• A ball of ice and dust that orbits the Sun and has a glowing tail.

• A large rock that orbits the Earth.

• A type of star that emits light and heat.

• A planet made entirely of gas.

Phase (of the Moon)

• The shape of the Moon that we can see from Earth, which changes over time.

• The distance between the Earth and the Moon.

• The color of the Moon during a lunar eclipse.

• The temperature of the Moon's surface.