What is the universe
Everything that exists in space, made up of galaxies.
How did the universe begin
14 billion years ago
Big bang
What is a planet
An object that orbits a star and does not undergo nuclear fusion
What is a star
A large ball of gas undergoing nuclear fusion and emitting energy
What is a galaxy
A cluster of stars, gas, and dust held by gravity
What is an asteroide
An object that orbits the son but isn’t a planet
What is a moon
A natural satellite that orbits a planet
What is a geostationary satellite
A satellite tat stays above the same point on earth
Has a period of 24 h
Orbits at an altitude of 36,000 km
What happens to orbit period as altitude increases
Orbit period increases
Which satellites move faster, closer or further from earth
Closer satellites
How can space craft travel long distances efficently
Ion drives or gravity assist (slingshot affect)
What is a gravity assist
Using a planets gravity to increase speed and change direction
How can spacecraft get energy for life support
Solar cells using energy from the sun
Why are return journeys difficult in space travel
They require extra fuel and energy
What are risks of space exploration
Potential exposure to high levels of radiation
Pressure difference between vacuum of space and inside spacecraft
Very small fast moving objects (micro meteoroids) can damage space craft.
What is the unbalanced force when a rocket takes off
Thrust - Weight
What is a light year
Distance light travels in one year
How do you calculate one light year
Speed of light x (1 x 365.25 x 24 x 60 x 60)
= 9.47x10 15m
What does the big bang theory state
Universe began from a hot, dense point and is expanding
What do gamma rays help detect
High energy events (e.g supernova)
What are X-rays used for in space
Measuring temperatures of hot gases
What does ultraviolet radiation show
Young, hot stars
What is infrared used for
Detecting cooler objects
What do microwaves detect in space
Cosmic Microwave Background
