Astronomy 1140 - The Solar System

A set of flashcards designed to help students review key vocabulary and concepts from the Astronomy 1140 - The Solar System lecture notes.

Astronomy

The examination of objects that lie beyond Earth, including the organization of the cosmos according to physical laws.

Solar System

The collection of all objects gravitationally bound to the Sun, including planets, moons, and other celestial bodies.

Heliopause

The boundary beyond which the solar wind from the sun is no longer strong enough to push back against the interstellar medium.

Observatory

A place or facility for observing celestial events, usually equipped with telescopes.

James Webb Space Telescope

A large space telescope designed to observe distant objects in the universe, launched after significant delay and expense.

Giant Planets

The largest planets in the solar system, including Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

Cumulative Exam

An assessment that covers material from the entire course rather than just the most recent topics.

Astrolabe

An ancient instrument used for solving problems related to time and the position of the stars.

Interstellar Objects

Celestial bodies that travel through space between stars, such as comets and asteroids.

Exoplanets

Planets that orbit a star outside of our solar system.