Observations of the Solar System

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts from the observations of the solar system lecture notes.

Astronomy

The scientific study of celestial objects, space, and the universe as a whole.

Telescope

An instrument that collects and amplifies light to observe distant objects.

Terrestrial Planets

Planets that have a hard, rocky surface, including Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.

Orbital Radius

The average distance at which a planet revolves around the sun.

Gravitational Force

The attractive force between two bodies, which affects their movement and atmosphere retention.

Greenhouse Effect

The process by which a planet's atmosphere traps thermal energy, affecting its temperature.

Spacecraft

Vehicles designed for travel or operation in outer space, used for exploration of celestial bodies.

Hubble Space Telescope

A space telescope that has provided astronomers with immense data and images of the universe since its launch.

Acid Clouds

Clouds in the atmosphere of Venus composed of sulfuric acid, contributing to its high temperatures.

Planetary Radius

The distance from the center of a planet's core to the outer edge of its atmosphere.

Surface Temperature

The temperature of a planet's surface, which can vary based on distance from the sun and atmospheric conditions.

Mariner 2

The first successful spacecraft mission to fly by and collect data from Venus.

Gravity

The force that attracts a body toward the center of the Earth, or towards any other physical body having mass.

MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution)

A spacecraft designed to study the Martian atmosphere and its evolution over time.

Space Exploration

The use of space technology to explore outer space and celestial bodies.