Components of the Solar System

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary and concepts related to the components of the solar system, including definitions of terms, characteristics of celestial bodies, and concepts related to space movements.

Ultraviolet Radiation

Radiation that can damage cells and cause cancer.

Gravity of the Sun

The force that keeps the planets in orbit around it.

Terrestrial Planets

Planets with a solid surface, such as Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars.

Atmosphere of Earth

Composed of 78% Nitrogen and 21% Oxygen.

Natural Satellite

An object, such as a moon, that orbits a planet.

Mars Characteristics

Covered in red dust, has two moons, and small amounts of water on its surface.

Jovian Planets

Gas giants that are larger, have many moons, and often have ring systems.

Habitable Zone

The distance from a star where conditions are suitable for life, particularly the presence of liquid water.

Revolution

The movement of a celestial body around another body in orbit.

Rotation

The spinning of a celestial body on its axis.

Asteroids

Small rocky bodies typically found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

Comets

Icy bodies from the Kuiper Belt or Oort Cloud that develop tails when near the Sun.

Magnetic Fields

Protective fields around planets that shield them from a star's radiation.

Necessary for Life

Conditions that must be met for life, including moderate planetary temperatures and the presence of water.

Meteors

Small fragments that break off from comets or asteroids and enter Earth's atmosphere.