Vocabulary Quiz - VocabForce

1. gamma-ray astronomy

study of universe using gamma-ray observations

gravitational effect on objects within a galaxy

imaginary line around which an object spins

high-speed jet from a galaxy or black hole

2. lunar

relating to the Moon

measure of how elliptical an orbit is

gravitational locking of orbits

Sun's visible surface layer

3. argument of periapsis

failed star with insufficient mass for nuclear fusion

organization overseeing astronomy standards

angle from ascending node to periapsis in orbit

stars moving together through space

4. galactic period

time for a galaxy to complete an orbit

time measure in orbital mechanics

period between recurring celestial configurations

apparent distance between objects in view

5. orbital mechanics

celestial body capable of nuclear fusion

relating to the Moon

study of orbital motion

speed at which star's equator becomes unstable

6. Galilean moons

moons of Jupiter: Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto

study of celestial positions

study of celestial meridians

365.25 days in astronomical calendar

7. elliptical galaxy

a galaxy shaped like an elongated ellipsoid

celestial coordinate system based on Earth's equator

minor celestial object like asteroid or comet

one object always faces its partner

8. major axis

categorization of stars by spectrum

longest diameter of an elliptical orbit

small moon orbiting a planet

angle between rotational axis and orbital plane

9. scintillation

rapid fluctuation of star brightness

apparent shift due to Earth's movement

categorization of stars by spectrum

high-speed jet from a galaxy or black hole

10. geostationary orbit

orbit matching Earth's rotation, stationary relative to Earth

material ejected outward from a star as disk

star with faint spectral lines

long-term gradual change

11. star

luminous celestial body made of hot gases

time for one orbit

daily apparent movement of stars due to Earth's rotation

point where orbit crosses celestial plane heading south

12. comet

direction opposite the Galactic Center

galaxy not bound in a cluster, isolated

icy body with glowing tail when near the Sun

sky visible during nighttime

13. extrasolar planet

daily apparent movement of stars due to Earth's rotation

gravitational effect on objects within a galaxy

eccentricity of an orbit

planet orbiting a star outside the solar system

14. OB association

group of hot, massive stars

boundary where solar wind slows abruptly

location determined by geometric measurements

degree of stretching or lengthening

15. inferior planet

brightest star in the night sky

great circle passing through celestial poles and a point

planet closer to the Sun than Earth

any physical entity in space observed visually or otherwise

16. non-inclined orbit

rotation speed leading to shape deformation or breakup

cloud of ionized hydrogen gas

orbit with zero inclination

dimming near a star's limb

17. orbital plane

flat surface containing orbit

study of light spectra from objects

scientific study of celestial objects and phenomena

stars moving together through space

18. Tully–Fisher relation

Moon blocks Sun completely

planets beyond Earth's orbit

galaxy luminosity and rotation link

large planet with icy composition, e.g., Neptune

19. metallicity

long-term gradual change

abundance of elements heavier than helium

average distance from Earth to Sun (about 149.6 million km)

slow, continuous movement of celestial objects

20. solar moss

star light reddening caused by dust

categorization of stars by spectrum

sky as seen from Earth

bright, fuzzy features on the Sun's surface

Vocabulary Quiz:

1. gamma-ray astronomy

2. lunar

3. argument of periapsis

4. galactic period

5. orbital mechanics

6. Galilean moons

7. elliptical galaxy

8. major axis

9. scintillation

10. geostationary orbit

11. star

12. comet

13. extrasolar planet

14. OB association

15. inferior planet

16. non-inclined orbit

17. orbital plane

18. Tully–Fisher relation

19. metallicity

20. solar moss

Select vocabulary category you want to browse:

Vocabulary Quiz:

1. gamma-ray astronomy

2. lunar

3. argument of periapsis

4. galactic period

5. orbital mechanics

6. Galilean moons

7. elliptical galaxy

8. major axis

9. scintillation

10. geostationary orbit

11. star

12. comet

13. extrasolar planet

14. OB association

15. inferior planet

16. non-inclined orbit

17. orbital plane

18. Tully–Fisher relation

19. metallicity

20. solar moss

Select vocabulary category you want to browse:

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