ChapterOne_Intro

Pale Blue Dot

A term used to describe Earth as seen from a distance, emphasizing its small size in the vast universe.

Exoplanet

A planet outside of our solar system.

Big Bang

The event that marked the beginning of the universe, where all matter and energy started from a single point and has been expanding ever since.

Stellar Nucleosynthesis

The process by which elements are formed through nuclear fusion in stars.

Planet

An astronomical body that orbits a star, is roughly spherical in shape, and has cleared its neighborhood of other objects.

Differentiation

The process whereby Earth's materials sorted by density as the planet formed, leading to the creation of the core and mantle.

Solar Wind

A stream of charged particles released from the upper atmosphere of the Sun that can impact Earth's magnetic field.

Atmosphere Composition

Earth's atmosphere primarily consists of Nitrogen (78.08%) and Oxygen (20.95%), with trace amounts of other gases.

Meteorites

Solid fragments from asteroids or comets that survive passage through Earth's atmosphere and provide clues about the Earth's interior.

Oceanic Crust vs. Continental Crust

Oceanic crust is thinner, denser, and primarily basaltic, while continental crust is thicker, less dense, and primarily granitic.