Astronomy - Universe, Galaxies, Solar Sytem

This lesson covers:

  1. The relationship between planets, star systems (the solar system), galaxies, and the universe
  2. The difference between asteroids and comets
  3. The difference between natural and artificial satellites

Error Notice


At 2:08 we say that any star being orbited by planets is called a 'solar system'. In fact, it's only our sun and the surrounding planets that is called the solar system. For any other star than the sun it is called a 'star system'.

A satellite is any object that orbits a celestial body, such as a star or planet. 


Is the moon a satellite?

Yes

No

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Diagram showing the order of planets in the solar system including Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune.

You won't be tested on this in the exam, but it is helpful to know the order of the planets.


Match the letters A to D on the diagram above with the following planets:


Earth:

Venus:

Mars:

Neptune:


B
A
C
D

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What shape are the orbits of comets?

Elliptical 

Spherical

Circular

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The asteroid belt is a region of our solar system that contains millions of asteroids.


Which two planets is the asteroid belt found between?

Mars and Jupiter

Jupiter and Saturn

Venus and Earth

Earth and Mars

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Illustration showing a comet in space surrounded by stars.

What is a comet mostly made of?

Rock and metal

Ice and dust

Hydrogen and Helium

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What is an asteroid mostly made of?

Ice and dust

Rock and metal

Hydrogen and Helium

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supernova / galaxy / gravity / solar / lunar


  1. A is a collection of billions of stars. 
  2. Stars in a galaxy are held together by .
  3. Stars orbit around the centre of the galaxy.
  4. Our system is in the Milky Way galaxy.
galaxy
gravity
solar

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True or false? The universe contains only a few galaxies.

True

False

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If you were teleported to a random location in the universe, where would you most likely end up?

On a planet

On a satellite 

In empty space

On a star

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Starting with the smallest, which of the following shows the correct order of size?

Satellite, planet, solar system, galaxy, Universe

Universe, galaxy, planet, solar system

Planet, satellite, galaxy, Universe, solar system

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Which statement is correct regarding satellites?

An artificial satellite is man-made whereas a natural satellite is not man-made

Both natural and artificial satellites are man-made

A natural satellite is man-made whereas an artificial satellite is not man-made

Neither natural and artificial satellites are man-made

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Illustration showing three objects: an airplane, the moon, and a satellite.

Which of the following is a natural satellite?

International Space Station

Aeroplane 

Hubble Space Telescope

Moon

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Which of the following are artificial satellites?

(Select all that apply)

Aeroplane 

Hubble Space Telescope

Moon

International Space Station

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