Space and Astronomy Terms

A hole in the ground caused by the impact of an object from space.

• Crater

• Pit

• Cavity

• Ditch

The force that pulls all objects toward each other.

• Magnetism

• Gravity

• Friction

• Electromagnetism

To revolve around another object.

• Orbit

• Rotate

• Spin

• Circle

A huge ball of rock that travels around a planet; a natural satellite.

• Star

• Asteroid

• Moon

• Comet

The measure of the amount of matter in an object.

• Weight

• Volume

• Density

• Mass

The area in space between Mars and Jupiter where most asteroids orbit.

• Asteroid belt

• Kuiper belt

• Oort cloud

• Galactic core

A body in outer space, made of hot gases, that shines in the night sky.

• Planet

• Asteroid

• Star

• Comet

Like Earth; describes planets that are rocky and Earthlike in size.

• Gas giant

• Terrestrial planet

• Ice giant

• Dwarf planet

A layer of gases surrounding a planet, star, or moon.

• Atmosphere

• Hydrosphere

• Lithosphere

• Biosphere

The distance between the sun and earth, approximately 150 million kilometers.

• Light Year

• Parsec

• Astronomical Unit

• Kilometer