click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Robins Astronomy
Astronomy
Question | Answer |
---|---|
The theory that describes the formation and expansion of the Universe. | The Big Bang Theory |
The theory that describes the steps involved in the creation of solar systems. | Nebular Theory |
The totality of all matter. | Universe |
The model of the solar system we use today, with the sun in the center. | Heliocentric |
The old (incorrect) model of the solar system with the earth in the center. | Geocentric |
All planets orbit in an ellipse with the sun at one focus. | Kepler's 1st Law |
All planets sweep equal area in equal time. When the planet is nearest the sun, it moves faster. When the planet is farther from the sun, it moves slower. | Kepler's 2nd Law |
The planets orbital period (time) is proportional to it's distance from the sun (distance). Time squared equals distance cubed. | Kepler's 3rd Law |
The balance point between two planetary objects. | Barycenter |
The turning on an axis. Earth turns on its axis every 24 hours. | Rotation |
The orbiting of one planetary body around another. Earth orbits the sun every 365 days. | Revolution |
The slow turning of the Earth's axis from one star to another over a 26,000 year period. | Precession |
The slight wobbling of the Earth as it turns in its precession. Occurs every 18 years (1/2 a degree). | Nutation |
The tidal extreme caused by the Earth, moon, and sun in a straight alignment. | Spring Tide |
Weaker tidal range caused by the Earth, moon, and sun in a perpendicular (not straight) alignment. | Neap Tide |
The tilt of the Earth on its axis. The reason that seasons exist on Earth. | 23.5 degrees |
The splitting of particles to create energy (nuclear reactions) | Fission |
The fusing of elements to create energy (occurs in sun) | Fusion |
The name of the waves that travel from the sun. | Electromagnetic Spectrum |
A set of planetary bodies orbiting around a star. | Solar System |
The 3rd planet in our solar system. | Earth |
The source of all energy on Earth. | Sun |
The process by which plants convert radiant energy (solar) into chemical energy (sugar). | Photosynthesis |
Anything that has mass and takes up space. | Matter |
When Earth is at its closest point to the sun (January 3rd) | Perihelion |
When Earth is at its farthest point from the sun (July 4th) | Aphelion |