Astronomy Final flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards based on an astronomy study guide, covering key concepts and definitions critical for understanding the subject.

Telescope

An instrument that collects more light than the human eye, allowing observation of fainter, far-off objects.

Refracting telescope

A type of telescope that uses lenses to magnify images, effective for observing planets and the Moon.

Reflecting telescope

A telescope that uses mirrors to gather light, ideal for studying faint objects like galaxies.

Radio telescope

An instrument that detects radio waves, utilized to study celestial phenomena such as cold gas.

Space telescope

Telescopes positioned in space to avoid atmospheric distortion and blockages, allowing clearer observations.

Diurnal path

The Sun's daily motion across the sky resulting from Earth's rotation.

Rotation

The spinning of Earth on its axis, resulting in day and night.

Revolution

The orbiting of Earth around the Sun, leading to the formation of years and seasons.

Precession

The slow wobble of Earth's axis that alters the position of pole stars over approximately 26,000 years.

Celestial sphere

An imaginary dome that represents the sky, on which celestial objects appear.

Right Ascension (RA)

A celestial coordinate that measures an object's position eastward along the celestial equator, analogous to longitude.

Declination (Dec)

A celestial coordinate that measures an object's position north or south of the celestial equator, analogous to latitude.

Seasons

Changes in climate caused by Earth's axial tilt of 23.5°, not by distance from the Sun.

Summer solstice

The day of the year with the longest daylight duration, when the Sun is highest in the sky.

Winter solstice

The shortest day of the year, when the Sun is at its lowest point in the sky.

Equinoxes

Days when daylight and nighttime are of equal length, occurring when the Sun rises due east and sets due west.

Circumpolar constellations

Constellations that never set below the horizon, located near the celestial poles.

Seasonal constellations

Constellations that are only visible during specific times of the year, influenced by latitude.

Ecliptic

The apparent path of the Sun across the celestial sphere, along which zodiac constellations are found.

Conjunction

An alignment where celestial objects appear close to each other in the sky.

Opposition

A position where a planet lies directly opposite from the Sun, providing optimal visibility.

Retrograde motion

An apparent backward movement of a planet due to the relative motion of Earth and the planet.

Star

A massive celestial body that produces energy through nuclear fusion, emitting light.

Planet

A celestial object that orbits a star and does not produce its own light.

Electromagnetic spectrum

The range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, characterized by different wavelengths and frequencies.

Sunspots

Cooler regions on the Sun's surface that are magnetically active and indicative of solar activity.

Lunar phases

The various appearances of the Moon as viewed from Earth, resulting from its position relative to the Sun.

Tides

Oceanic changes in level caused by the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun.

Solar eclipse

An event where the Moon blocks the Sun's light from reaching Earth.

Lunar eclipse

An event where Earth's shadow falls on the Moon, blocking its light.

Gravity

The attractive force between objects with mass that governs orbital motion.

Kepler's First Law

The law stating that orbits are elliptical in shape.

Kepler's Second Law

The law stating that a planet moves faster when it is closer to the Sun.

Kepler's Third Law

The law stating that a planet's orbital period increases with distance from the Sun.