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Astronomy Unit Flashcards (Earth Science)

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Astronomy Unit Flashcards (Earth Science)

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Questions and Answers

Define astronomical unit.

An Astronomical unit is a unit of measurement equal to the average distance between the Sun and Earth, which is about 149,600,000 km.

Define light year.

A light year is a unit of measurement equal to the distance light travels in one year, which is about 9.46 x 10^12 km.

How far is the sun from the Earth?

The sun is only 8 light minutes away from the Earth.

Define parsec.

A parsec is a unit used in astronomy to describe large distances, where one parsec equals 3.26 light-years. Signup and view all the answers

What is the nearest spiral galaxy to us, and how far is it?

The nearest spiral galaxy to us is the Andromeda Galaxy. Signup and view all the answers

How much mass of the sun is contained in the solar system?

The sun contains 99% of the mass in the solar system. Signup and view all the answers

Where did the solar system most likely come from?

The solar system most likely evolved from a swirling cloud of dust, known as the nebular theory. Signup and view all the answers

Define constellation.

A constellation is a grouping of stars in the night sky into a recognizable pattern. Signup and view all the answers

How many planets are in the solar system?

There are 9 planets in the solar system. Signup and view all the answers

How many satellites (moons) are known in the solar system?

There are 67 satellites (moons) known in the solar system. Signup and view all the answers

Name the terrestrial planets.

The terrestrial planets are Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. Signup and view all the answers

Briefly describe a terrestrial planet.

A terrestrial planet is similar in size, composition, and density to Earth and consists mainly of rocky material. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Measurements in Astronomy

Astronomical Unit (AU): Equal to the average distance from the Sun to Earth, approximately 149.6 million km.
Light Year: Distance light travels in one year, about 9.46 trillion km.
Parsec: Unit for large astronomical distances; one parsec equals 3.26 light-years.

Distance and Proximity

Sun to Earth: The Sun is about 8 light minutes away from Earth.
Nearest Spiral Galaxy: Andromeda galaxy is the closest spiral galaxy to the Milky Way.

Solar System Composition

Mass of the Sun: Contains 99% of the total mass of the solar system.
Origin: The solar system likely formed from a swirling dust cloud, as described by the nebular theory.

Celestial Bodies

Planets: There are 9 recognized planets in the solar system.
Satellites (Moons): The solar system has 67 known moons.
Terrestrial Planets: Comprises Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars, characterized by rocky material and similar density to Earth.

Constellations

Definition: Groupings of stars forming recognizable patterns; 88 standard configurations exist today, many derived from ancient Greek star patterns.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key astronomical units with these flashcards. Learn the definitions and meanings of important terms like astronomical units and light years. Perfect for students of Earth Science looking to reinforce their understanding of distance measurements in space.