Our Solar System

Science

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

Axis

The imaginary line around which Earth rotates, it runs through Earth from pole to pole. Axis. The axis is the line that Earth spins around, causing day and night.

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

Orbit

The path of one body around another, like Earths orbit around the Sun. Orbit. An orbit is the curved path that an object takes around a star, planet, or moon due to gravity.

A natural body that revolves around a planet

Moon

A natural body that revolves around a planet. Moon. A moon is a celestial object that orbits a planet, reflecting sunlight and affecting tides on Earth.

Changes in the shape of the moon as seen from Earth

Moon phase

Changes in the shape of the moon as seen from Earth. Moon phase. Moon phase is the appearance of the illuminated portion of the Moon that we see from Earth as it orbits our planet.

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

Solar system

a group of planets and other objects that revolve around a sun. solar system. A solar system is a collection of planets and other celestial bodies orbiting a star.

A large body that revolves around the Sun or star

Planet

A large body that revolves around the Sun or star. Planet. A planet is a big object in space that moves in a path around a star, like Earth does around the Sun.

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

Comet

A body of ice, rock, and dust that orbits the Sun. A comet is a celestial object that develops a glowing head and tail as it gets closer to the Sun.

A huge ball of very hot gases, like the Sun

Star

A huge ball of very hot gases, like the Sun. A star is a massive, bright sphere of plasma held together by gravity that produces energy through nuclear fusion at its core.

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

Sun

A huge ball of very hot gases at the center of our solar system, it is a star. The Sun is a massive star that provides light and heat to Earth.

A pattern or shape formed by a group of stars

Constellation

A pattern or shape formed by a group of stars. Constellation. A constellation is a recognizable grouping of stars in the night sky that forms a pattern and is often named after mythological figures or animals.

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

Galaxy

A massive system of stars, gases, and dust held together by gravity. A galaxy is a huge collection of stars and other matter bound together by gravity.

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

Universe

Everything that exists, including the stars, planets, and energy. Universe. The universe is the vast space that contains all matter and energy, including galaxies, stars, and planets.

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

Revolution

The motion of one body around another, like the Earth around the Sun. Revolution. In science, revolution is the circular or elliptical movement of an object around another object or point.

The turning of a planet on its axis

Rotation

The turning of a planet on its axis. Rotation. Rotation is the circular movement of an object around an internal axis.

A body of rock and metal that orbits the Sun

Asteroid

A body of rock and metal that orbits the Sun. Asteroids are like giant space rocks that travel around the Sun, mainly found between Mars and Jupiter in the asteroid belt.

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

Gas giant

A large planet made up mostly of gases, like Jupiter or Saturn. Gas giant. A gas giant is a massive planet primarily composed of hydrogen and helium gases.

A device that makes distant objects appear closer

Telescope

A device that makes distant objects appear closer. Telescope. A telescope is a tool that uses lenses or mirrors to help us see faraway objects like stars and planets.

A spacecraft that carries scientific instruments, but no human crew

Space probe

A spacecraft that carries scientific instruments, but no human crew. Space probe. A space probe is a robotic spacecraft that collects data from space to help scientists learn about different celestial bodies.

Occurs when Earth’s shadow falls on the moon

Lunar eclipse

Occurs when Earths shadow falls on the moon. Lunar eclipse. A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight from reaching the Moon.

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

Crater

A large pit on Earth or any object in space, created by an impact from a smaller object. Crater. A crater is a bowl-shaped depression formed when a meteorite or other object hits a surface.

Occurs when the moon’s shadow falls on Earth

Solar eclipse

Occurs when the moons shadow falls on Earth. Solar eclipse. A solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, blocking sunlight from reaching the Earth.