Earth, Sun, and Space Study Guide Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering astronomical motions, celestial objects, space exploration tools, and related linguistic terms from the Unit 5 Study Guide.

Rotation

The name for Earth moving around the sun.

Solar eclipse

An event when the moon blocks the sun.

Lunar eclipse

An event when the Earth blocks light to the moon or Earth’s shadow is on the moon.

Solar system

The system consisting of the sun and the planets, meteoroids, and asteroids that orbit it.

Mars

The red planet.

Jupiter

The biggest planet with many moons.

Venus

A very hot planet with thick clouds.

Stars

Objects made of gas, specifically hydrogen and helium, whose color depends on temperature.

Milky Way

The galaxy where we live.

Telescope

A tool used to see faraway objects.

Spacecraft

A vehicle that travels in space.

Probe

A tool used to take pictures in space.

Tides

Ocean movements caused by the moon.

Satellite

An object that orbits a planet.

Galaxy

A big group of stars.

Frigid

A word meaning very cold.

Stream

A verb meaning to flow.

Gravitational pull

A pulling force.

Observatory

A place focused on the study of space.

Pursue

To follow or try.

Careless

A mistake resulting from rushing.

Joyous

A word describing happy music.