Our Solar System

Science

Our Solar System Chapter Video

Our Solar System Chapter Video

asteroid

a body of rock and metal that orbits the Sun

asteroid Simple Definition

axis

the imaginary line around which Earth rotates, it runs through Earth from pole to pole

axis Simple Definition

comet

a body of ice, rock, and dust that orbits the Sun

comet Simple Definition

constellation

a pattern or shape formed by a group of stars

constellation Simple Definition

crater

a large pit on Earth or any object in space, created by an impact from a smaller object

crater Simple Definition

galaxy

a massive system of stars, gases, and dust held together by gravity

galaxy Simple Definition

gas giant

a large planet made up mostly of gases, like Jupiter or Saturn

gas giant Simple Definition

lunar eclipse

occurs when Earth’s shadow falls on the moon

lunar eclipse Simple Definition

moon

a natural body that revolves around a planet

moon Simple Definition

moon phase

changes in the shape of the moon as seen from Earth

moon phase Simple Definition

orbit

the path of one body around another, like Earth’s orbit around the Sun

orbit Simple Definition

planet

a large body that revolves around the Sun or star

planet Simple Definition

revolution

the motion of one body around another, like the Earth around the Sun

revolution Simple Definition

rotation

the turning of a planet on its axis

rotation Simple Definition

solar eclipse

occurs when the moon’s shadow falls on Earth

solar eclipse Simple Definition

solar system

a group of planets and other objects that revolve around a sun

solar system Simple Definition

space probe

a spacecraft that carries scientific instruments, but no human crew

space probe Simple Definition

star

a huge ball of very hot gases, like the Sun

star Simple Definition

sun

a huge ball of very hot gases at the center of our solar system, it is a star

sun Simple Definition

telescope

a device that makes distant objects appear closer

telescope Simple Definition

universe

everything that exists, including the stars, planets, and energy

universe Simple Definition

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