Exploring Our Universe

A series of flashcards designed to help students review key concepts related to space technologies and astronomy.

What type of telescope uses grazing incidence mirrors to study X-rays?

X-ray Telescopes

What are the main functions of artificial satellites?

Communications, tracking locations, remote sensing, and real-time imaging.

What is the primary function of optical and infrared telescopes?

To collect and focus light from celestial objects.

What is Halley's Comet known for?

It is a short-period comet visible every 75-76 years.

What is the largest planet in the solar system?

Jupiter.

What is the main characteristic of Venus's atmosphere?

It is thick, reflective, and composed mainly of sulfuric acid clouds.

What are the components of Earth's atmosphere?

Mostly nitrogen, oxygen, and water vapor.

What causes the seasons on Earth?

The tilt of the Earth's axis.

How does the sun produce energy?

Through nuclear fusion in its core.

What is the Hubble Space Telescope known for?

Detailed images of galaxies and nebulae.

What process leads to the formation of stars?

Gravitational collapse of gas and dust in a nebula.

What are meteors, meteoroids, and meteorites?

Meteors are meteoroids that burn up in Earth's atmosphere; meteorites are those that survive the fall to Earth.

What are the characteristics of black holes?

Extremely dense objects with gravitational forces so strong that not even light can escape.

What does the Big Bang Theory describe?

The beginning of the universe as an enormous cosmic explosion.

What defines the life cycle of a star?

It begins in a nebula, evolves through various stages, and ends in a supernova or as a black hole.