Unit 1 : Universe & Big Bang Theory Academic Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering Unit 1 terms related to Universe & Big Bang Theory.

astronomy

The scientific study of celestial objects, space, and the physical universe beyond Earth's atmosphere. This includes the study of stars, planets, galaxies, nebulae, and other phenomena like cosmic microwave background radiation.

Big Bang Theory

The prevailing scientific cosmological model for the observable universe from its earliest known periods through its subsequent large-scale evolution. It postulates that the universe originated from an extremely hot, dense point (singularity) and has been expanding and cooling ever since.

evidence

Information, data, or observations collected through experiments, observations, or empirical studies that either support or refute a scientific theory or hypothesis. It is crucial for validating or disproving scientific claims.

galaxy

A vast system of millions or billions of stars, along with gas, dust, and dark matter, all held together by gravitational attraction. Galaxies vary greatly in size and shape, categorized by spirals, ellipticals, and irregulars.

geocentric

An ancient astronomical model, notably championed by Ptolemy, which places Earth central to the universe, with the Sun, Moon, stars, and planets orbiting around it. This model was widely accepted for over 1400 years.

heliocentric

A cosmological model, first proposed by Nicolaus Copernicus in the 16th century, which positions the Sun at the center of the solar system, with Earth and other planets revolving around it. This model replaced the geocentric view.

law

A concise statement or mathematical equation that describes an observed natural phenomenon without necessarily explaining why it occurs. Scientific laws are generally accepted as universal and invariable, summarizing the results of many experiments and observations.

Milky Way Galaxy

The spiral galaxy to which our solar system, including Earth and the Sun, belongs. It contains between 100 billion and 400 billion stars and is part of the Local Group of galaxies.

orbit

To move in a regular, repeating curved or elliptical path around another object due to gravitational attraction. For example, planets orbit stars, and moons orbit planets.

revolution

The motion of an object as it travels once around another object in its orbit. For Earth, one revolution around the Sun takes approximately 365.25 days, defining a year.

rotation

The spinning motion of a planetary body around its own axis. Earth's rotation on its axis causes the cycle of day and night, completing one rotation approximately every 24 hours.

solar system (planetary system)

A system of celestial bodies that includes a star (or sometimes two or more stars) and all the objects that orbit it due to gravity, such as planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. Our solar system consists of the Sun and the objects orbiting it.

technology

The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry or everyday life. It involves the creation and use of tools, machines, techniques, and systems to solve problems or achieve specific goals.

telescope

An optical instrument designed to observe distant objects by collecting and focusing electromagnetic radiation, particularly visible light. Telescopes enable astronomers to view celestial bodies that are otherwise too far away or too dim to be seen with the naked eye.

theory

A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experiment. Unlike a hypothesis, a theory is a comprehensive framework that explains a broad range of phenomena and has no significant evidence against it.

universe

All of space and time and its contents, including planets, stars, galaxies, and all other forms of matter and energy. It encompasses everything that exists and has existed.