Earth In Space Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts in the lecture about Earth in space, including rotational and revolutionary movements, eclipses, tides, cosmology, and the Big Bang Theory.

What is the difference between observation and inference?

Observation is the interaction of your senses with the environment, while inference is a conclusion based on these observations.

What causes day and night on Earth?

Day and night are caused by the rotation of the Earth on its axis.

How long does it take for Earth to complete one rotation?

It takes 24 hours for Earth to complete one rotation.

What causes the seasons on Earth?

Seasons are caused by Earth's revolution around the Sun.

How long does it take for Earth to complete one revolution around the Sun?

Earth completes one revolution around the Sun in 365 days.

What is the equinox?

An equinox is the point when the sun is at the closest distance from the equator.

What is the solstice?

A solstice is the point during the Earth's orbit when the sun is at its greatest distance from the equator.

What causes ocean tides?

Ocean tides are caused by the gravitational force between Earth and the Moon.

What is a lunar eclipse?

A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes between the Moon and the Sun, obscuring the Moon.

What is a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun.

What is cosmology?

Cosmology is the branch of astronomy that involves the origin and evolution of the universe.

What is the basic unit of cosmology?

The basic unit is a Galaxy containing billions of stars.

What is a light year?

A light year is the distance that light travels in one year.

What defines a satellite?

A satellite is an object in space that orbits around something, which can be natural (like a moon) or artificial.

What is Hubble's Law?

Hubble's Law states that the greater the distance a galaxy is from Earth, the greater the redshift of the light it emits and thus the greater its speed moving away from Earth.

What does the formula v = Hd represent?

In Hubble's Law, 'v' stands for recessional velocity, 'H' is the Hubble constant, and 'd' is the distance of the galaxy from Earth.