Earth Science B Unit 1

Astronomy, the scientific study of objects and phenomena beyond Earth’s atmosphere

Evidence, information used to support or refute a scientific claim

Observation, information gathered using the senses or tools

Inference, a conclusion based on observations and reasoning

Telescope, an instrument that collects and focuses light to observe distant objects

Lens, a curved piece of glass that bends light to form images

Mirror, a reflective surface used in telescopes to focus light

Resolution, the ability to see fine details clearly

Magnification, how much larger an object appears compared to its actual size

Optical telescope, a telescope that collects visible light

Radio telescope, a telescope that detects radio waves from space

Space telescope, a telescope that orbits Earth to avoid atmospheric distortion

Electromagnetic spectrum, the full range of all types of electromagnetic radiation

Wavelength, the distance between successive peaks of a wave

Frequency, the number of wave cycles passing a point per second

Visible light, the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum humans can see

Infrared radiation, electromagnetic radiation with longer wavelengths than visible light

Ultraviolet radiation, electromagnetic radiation with shorter wavelengths than visible light

Spectroscopy, the study of light to determine the composition of objects

Spectrum, the pattern of wavelengths produced by a light source

Emission spectrum, a pattern of bright lines produced by glowing elements

Absorption spectrum, a pattern of dark lines where light has been absorbed by elements

Element, a pure substance made of one type of atom

Scale, the size, distance, or amount of something compared to something else

Astronomical unit (AU), the average distance between Earth and the Sun

Light-year, the distance light travels in one year

Pattern, a repeated or predictable relationship in data

Model, a representation used to explain or predict scientific phenomena

Limitation, a restriction or boundary that affects how scientific data is collected or interpreted

Uncertainty, the degree to which a measurement or conclusion may vary

Indirect evidence, information inferred rather than directly observed