Astronomy and Celestial Movements

These flashcards cover key concepts related to constellations, Earth's movements, and celestial observations.

Constellation

A group of stars that form a recognizable pattern in the night sky.

Revolution

The motion of the Earth around the Sun, which takes about one year.

Altitude

The angular distance of a celestial object above the horizon, ranging from 0° to 90°.

Solar Noon

The time of day when the Sun reaches its highest point in the sky, typically due south in mid-latitudes.

Vernal Equinox

The point in spring when day and night are of approximately equal length, occurring around March 21.

Star Trails

Long exposure photographs showing the movement of stars across the sky, created by the Earth's rotation.

Circumpolar Stars

Stars that are close enough to the North or South Pole that they never set below the horizon.

Tropic of Cancer

The latitude 23.5°N, where the sun is directly overhead during the summer solstice in June.

Tropic of Capricorn

The latitude 23.5°S, where the sun is directly overhead during the winter solstice in December.

Equinox

The time of year when day and night are of equal length, occurring in spring and fall.