EARTH SCIENCE

GEOLOGY

The study of the Earth, including its materials, processes, and history.

OCEANOGRAPHY

The study of the composition, movements, and phenomena of the ocean and seas.

ASTRONOMY

The study of the universe and celestial objects.

METEOROLOGY

The study of the atmosphere and weather.

Scientific Method

A process used to collect observations, test hypotheses, make predictions, and identify patterns.

Hypothesis

A testable explanation for a situation that can be supported or disproved.

Independent Variable

The factor in an experiment that is manipulated.

Dependent Variable

The factor in an experiment that is measured.

Theory

A well-substantiated explanation supported by a large body of evidence.

Scientific Law

A statement that describes a specific relationship or phenomenon, such as Newton’s First Law of Motion.

Main Sequence Stars

Stars that comprise 90 percent of all stars, characterized by fusing hydrogen into helium.

Planetary Nebula

A stage in the lifecycle of average-mass stars where they release outer layers after helium fusion ends.

Supernova

The explosion of a massive star, leading to the formation of neutron stars or black holes.

Dark Matter

A form of matter that makes up 23% of the universe and does not interact with light.

Dark Energy

A form of energy that makes up 73% of the universe, causing its expansion to accelerate.

Doppler Effect

The change in wavelength or frequency of a wave in relation to an observer moving relative to the wave source.

Red Shift

The phenomenon where light from an object moving away appears stretched, indicating lower frequency.

Blue Shift

The phenomenon where light from an object moving closer appears compressed, indicating higher frequency.

Big Bang Theory

The prevailing cosmological model explaining the origin of the universe, involving rapid expansion from a singularity.

Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation

Radiation filling the universe, residual heat from the early stages of the universe after the Big Bang.

Terrestrial Planets

Planets made of silicates and metals, characterized by high densities, slower rotation, and thin atmospheres.

Gas Giants

Planets like Jupiter and Saturn that are primarily composed of gas, with a thick atmosphere and larger size.

Asteroids

Small rocky bodies that orbit the sun but are too small to be classified as planets.

Comets

Celestial bodies composed of icy rock and dust that create a glowing coma and tail when close to the sun.

Dwarf Planets

Celestial bodies that orbit the sun and are spherical due to self-gravity but not dominant in their orbital zones.

Nebular Theory

The theory that the solar system formed from a rotating cloud of interstellar gas and dust.