Astronomy Flash Cards Exam 2

Flash cards for 2nd astronomy exam

76 cards   |   Total Attempts: 182
  

Cards In This Set

Front Back
Light year definition and what it's useful for
The distance light travels, moving at the speed of light, in one year. Useful for measuring distances between stars.
Astronomical unit (AU) definition and what it's useful for
The average distance between the sun and the Earth. Useful for measuring distances between the sun and planets in our solar system.
Parsec definition and what it's useful for
Distance at which the separation (or paralax) angle between the Earth and the sun equals one arc second (1/3600 degree) of angle. Useful for measuring distances to galaxies
Celestial sphere
The imaginary bowl of the sky that surrounds Earth and and carries the stars attached to the sphere.
Moon
Orbits a planet
Planet
Orbits a star
Star
A huge sphere of hot gases held together by gravity
Solar system
A star orbited by planets
Galaxy
A grouping of billions of stars held together by gravity
Universe
The totality of all space, time, matter, and energy
Solstice
First day of the summer or winter season
Equinox
First day of the spring (vernal) or autumn (autumnal) season
Ecliptic plane
The plane of Earths orbit around the sun
New moon
Phase of the moon where none of the lunar disc is visible
Full moon
Phase of the moon where the entire lunar disc is visible