Our Solar System and Its Structure

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to the Solar System, the Sun's influence, and space exploration.

Solar System

The group of celestial objects that orbit the Sun, including eight planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and other bodies.

The Sun

The star at the center of the Solar System, containing almost all of its mass and producing energy through nuclear fusion.

Inner Planets

The four smaller, rocky planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars) closer to the Sun, generally having few or no moons.

Outer Planets

The four larger planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune) that are mostly made of gas or ice, usually having multiple moons and rings.

Gravity

The force that pulls planets toward the Sun, keeping them in their orbits.

Inertia

The tendency of a planet to continue moving forward, counteracting the pull of gravity from the Sun.

Seasons

Seasonal changes on Earth occur due to the tilt of the planet and the varying directness of sunlight from the Sun.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use solar energy to produce food and oxygen, sustaining ecosystems and food chains.

Sunspots

Darker, cooler regions on the Sun’s surface caused by strong magnetic activity.

Solar Flares

Sudden, powerful bursts of energy from the Sun that release radiation and charged particles into space.

Auroras

Colorful displays in the sky formed when charged particles from the Sun collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere.

Sustainable Space Exploration

The aim of understanding the universe, monitoring Earth, and developing technology to improve life on Earth.