Overview of Stars and the Universe

Set of flashcards covering the key terms and definitions related to stars, the universe, and celestial bodies.

Star

Celestial body composed of plasma that emits light and heat.

Life Cycle of Stars

Stars undergo nuclear fusion, expand into red giants, and may end as white dwarfs, neutron stars, or black holes.

Universe

The totality of space, time, matter, and energy.

Big Bang Theory

The theory explaining the universe's beginning as an expansion from a singular point.

Solar System

A collection of planets and other celestial bodies orbiting a star (the Sun).

Elliptical Orbits

Paths that planets follow around the Sun due to gravitational forces.

Moon

Earth's only natural satellite, affecting tides and stabilizing Earth's axial tilt.

Phases of the Moon

Includes New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, Waning Crescent.

Surface Features of the Moon

Includes Maria (large, dark plains), Highlands (light, cratered areas), and craters formed by impacts.

Red Dwarfs

Cool and dim stars.

Yellow Dwarfs

Stars like our Sun.

Blue Giants

Hot and massive stars.

Galaxies

Large systems of stars, stellar remnants, and dark matter.

Dark Matter

A form of matter that does not emit light; makes up most of the universe's mass.

Dark Energy

A mysterious force driving the accelerated expansion of the universe.

Planets

Eight celestial bodies: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.

Dwarf Planets

Includes Pluto, Eris, and Ceres.

Moons

Natural satellites that orbit planets.

Asteroids and Comets

Small celestial bodies.

Exploration

Includes human missions (e.g., Apollo Program) and ongoing robotic explorations (e.g., Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter).