Space Unit

Solar System

Refers to our star, Sol, and its system, made up of 8 planets, asteroids/asteroid belts, a star (the Sun), dwarf planets (like Pluto), meteoroids/meteors/meteorites, and comets.

Solar Nebula Theory

A theory that explains the formation of the solar system, suggesting that it originated from a nebula, which is a cloud of dust and gas (mostly hydrogen and helium) in space.

Nebula

A cloud of dust and gas in space, primarily composed of hydrogen and helium.

The Sun

The center of the solar system, emitting light and heat for all the planets, around which everything in the solar system orbits.

Photosynthesis

The process that occurs in the cells of plants, converting light into chemical energy, producing O2 and carbohydrates (sugar). Formula: light + H2O + CO2 = glucose + O2.

Cellular Respiration

The process where organisms convert chemical energy into usable energy, opposite of photosynthesis. Formula: glucose + O2 = energy + CO2 + H2O.

Auroras

Natural light displays in the Earth's sky, caused by solar winds interacting with the Earth's atmosphere, visible as Aurora Borealis in the North and Aurora Australis in the South.

Meteoroids

Objects in space (space rocks) that vary in size from dust grains to minor asteroids.

Meteor

A meteoroid that enters a planet's atmosphere at high speeds and burns up, often referred to as 'shooting stars' or 'fireballs'.

Meteorite

A meteoroid that hits the ground.

Asteroid

A small rocky object that orbits the sun, smaller than a planet but larger than a meteoroid.

Comet

Leftovers from the formation of the solar system, made up of dust, rock, and ice, which can form a tail stretching millions of kilometers when heated by the Sun.

Gas Giants/Planets

Planets that are mostly gas with a small rocky core, such as Jupiter.

Terrestrial/Rocky Planets

Planets made up of solid material, such as Mercury.

Orbit

A closed path that is circular or elliptical, which planets follow around a star.

Requirements of a Planet

1. Orbit a star; 2. Have a round shape caused by gravity; 3. Do not share their orbit.

Dwarf Planet

A celestial body that does not meet all the requirements of a planet, such as Pluto, which shares its orbit.

Order of Planets

The sequence of planets in the solar system: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.

Size of Comet

A comet can range from a few to tens of kilometers wide.

Auroras Formation

Auroras are formed when particles from solar winds hit the Earth's atmosphere.

Solar Winds

Streams of charged particles released from the Sun, which can cause auroras when interacting with the Earth's atmosphere.

Core of Planets

The core of planets is mostly made up of heavier elements like Nickel.

Stellar Systems

What other star systems are called.