Solar System Development and Observational Astronomy

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the development of the solar system, planetary formation, observational astronomy, and the structure of the Sun.

Nebular Theory

A model explaining the formation of the solar system from a cloud of gas and dust called a nebula.

Protoplanetary Disk

The disk shape formed as a collapsing nebula spins, leading to the birth of the Sun and planets.

Crater Counting

A method to determine the age of a celestial body's surface by counting and analyzing impact craters.

Impact Craters

Depressions on a planetary surface created by the collision of meteoroids, asteroids, or comets.

Terrestrial Planets

Rocky planets formed close to the Sun, consisting of Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.

Jovian Planets

Gaseous planets with thick atmospheres, including Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

Right Ascension (RA)

An angular measurement in astronomy that denotes how far east a star is from the vernal equinox.

Declination (Dec)

An angular measurement in astronomy that indicates how far north or south a star is from the celestial equator.

Solar Eclipse

An event that occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, blocking sunlight.

Lunar Eclipse

An event that occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon.

Giant Impact Theory

The hypothesis that the Moon formed from debris resulting from a collision between a Mars-sized object and the early Earth.

Craters Show Age

The principle that the number of craters on a surface indicates its relative age; more craters mean an older surface.

Ground-Based Telescopes

Telescopes located on Earth that are less expensive but can be affected by the atmosphere.

Space-Based Telescopes

Telescopes located in space that provide clearer images and can observe all types of light but are more expensive.

Solar Wind

A stream of charged particles ejected from the Sun's outer layers, which can affect space weather.

Photosphere

The visible surface of the Sun from which light escapes, featuring visible sunspots.

Nuclear Fusion

The process that powers the Sun, where hydrogen atoms combine to form helium, releasing energy.

Corona

The outer atmosphere of the Sun, extremely hot and visible during a total solar eclipse.