Earth and Space

Astronomy

The study of the universe and everthing in it

Geocentric

Means the earth is at the centre

Heliocentric

Means the sun is at the centre

Gravity

The force of attraction that pulls two objects that have mass towards each other

Galaxy

a collection of millions of stars, large amounts of gas, dust, dark matter and other objects held together by gravity

Solar system

A group of planets, asteroids and other celestial bodies in orbit around a star

Celestial Object

Any natural body outside of the Earth’s atmosphere

Star

Huge ball of burning gas held together by gravity

Nuclear Fusion

occurs when two small nuclei join together to form a larger nucleus with a huge release of energy

Planets

large round objects that travel around a star on a set path called an orbit

Satellite

Any object the orbits a larger object or planet

Moon

A natural satellite

Asteroid

A small rocky body orbiting the Sun

Comets

A small lump of dust and ice that orbits the Sun