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18 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Define astronomy
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the study of objects in space
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Define asteroid
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fragments of matter simular to rocky planetary matter that orbit between Mars and Jupiter
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Define satellite
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an object that revolves around a larger body
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Define light year
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the distance light can travel in a year -- it is used to measure distances in space because they are so great
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Define black hole
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a star in which matter is condensed and its gravity field is so strong that light cannot escape
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Define supernova
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the explosion of a star in which the center of the star collapses under gravity, the outer layers are blown off at high speeds, and the brightness of the star increases greatly before fading
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Define Space Shuttle
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a reusable craft desgined to transport astronauts, materials, and satellites to and from space
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Define comet
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a mass of frozen gases, dust, and small rock particles that orbits the sun
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Define space probe
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a spacecraft equipped with instruments designed to collect inforamtion about outer space
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Define solar system
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the system of objects in orbit around our sun
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Define speed of light
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light travels at 186,000 feet per second -- very fast!
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Define red giant
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(it is a dying star)a star in which most of the hydrogen has changed into helium, and then this helium starts changing into carbon and the star expands... and as it expands the outer layer cools turning red.
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Define nebula
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a cloud of dust and gas in which stars may be born
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Define gravity
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the mutual force of attraction that exisits between all objects in the universe
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Define galaxy
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a large system of gases, dust, and many stars
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Define constellation
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a visual pattern of stars
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Define neutron star
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a dense mass that results from the collapse of a super nova
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Define moon
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the earth's only natural satellite
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