Space, Sun and Moon

Astronomy

The study of all things in space, like the Sun, stars, and planets. Astronomy is the science of understanding celestial objects and the universe.

Axis

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

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 hole formed when an object like a meteor hits a planet or moon.

Electromagnetic spectrum

All the wavelengths or frequencies of electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic spectrum. The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of all types of light energy, from radio waves to gamma rays, that travel through space.

Equinox

The two days a year when the Sun is directly over the equator, making day and night equal. Equinox. An equinox occurs when Earth's tilt aligns the equator with the center of the Sun, resulting in equal lengths of day and night globally.

Gravity

The attractive force between all objects that have mass. Gravity is the force that pulls objects toward each other, like how the Earth keeps us on the ground.

Lunar eclipse

Occurs when Earths shadow falls on the moon. Lunar eclipse. It happens when the Earth comes directly between the sun and the moon, blocking sunlight from reaching the moon.

Maria

Dark, flat regions on the Moon made of ancient lava flows. Maria are large, basaltic plains formed by volcanic eruptions on the Moon's surface.

Moon phase

Changes in the shape of the moon as seen from Earth. Moon phase. A moon phase is the appearance of the illuminated portion of the Moon as seen from Earth, which changes as the Moon orbits our planet.

Observatory

A building that contains one or more telescopes used to observe space. Observatory. An observatory is a place where scientists use telescopes to study and learn about the stars and planets.

Orbit

The path of one body around another, like Earths orbit around the Sun. Orbit. Orbit is the curved path that an object follows as it moves around another object in space due to gravity.

Penumbra

A region of lighter shadow around the darkest part of a shadow. Penumbra. The penumbra is the partially shaded outer region of a shadow cast by an object, like during a solar eclipse.

Radio telescope

A device that detects and records radio waves from space. Radio telescope. It is a large antenna that listens to signals from space to study stars, galaxies, and other cosmic objects.

Reflecting telescope

A telescope that uses concave mirrors to reflect and focus light from distant objects. Reflecting telescope. A reflecting telescope is a device that uses mirrors to gather and focus light from stars and planets for viewing.

Refracting telescope

A telescope that uses convex lenses to focus light from distant objects. Refracting telescope. A refracting telescope uses lenses to bend light and make distant objects appear closer and clearer.

Revolution

The motion of one body around another, like the Earth around the Sun, is called revolution. In Science, revolution is when one object travels in a circular path around another object.

Rocket

A device that burns fuel and expels gas in one direction to move in the opposite direction. Rocket. A rocket is a vehicle that moves by pushing gas out one end to propel itself forward, using Newton's third law of motion.

Rotation

The turning of a planet on its axis. Rotation. Rotation is the spinning of an object around an imaginary line called its axis.

Satellite

An object that moves around a larger object in space, like the moon around Earth, is called a satellite. In simple terms, a satellite is an object that orbits around a bigger object in space.

Solar eclipse

Occurs when the moons shadow falls on Earth. Solar eclipse. A solar eclipse happens when the moon blocks the sun's light from reaching Earth.

Space probe

A spacecraft that carries scientific instruments, but no human crew. Space probe. A space probe is an unmanned spacecraft designed to collect data about space and other celestial bodies.

Space shuttle

A reusable craft that can carry crew and cargo between Earth and space. Space shuttle. The space shuttle was a spacecraft used to transport astronauts and equipment to and from space.

Space station

An artificial satellite on which people can live and work for long periods. Space station. A space station is a large spacecraft in orbit where astronauts live and conduct scientific research.

Telescope

A device that makes distant objects appear closer. Telescope. A telescope is a tool that helps us see faraway objects, like stars and planets, by making them look closer and clearer.

Thrust

The pushing force exerted by the engine of an aircraft or rocket. Thrust is the force that moves a vehicle forward through air or space.

Umbra

The darkest part of a shadow. Umbra. The umbra is the fully shaded inner region of a shadow where the light source is completely blocked.