Everything Kids' Astronomy Book (8 page)
atmosphere
The gases contained around an object in space are called its
atmosphere.
Earth's atmosphere contains a combination of gases that produce the air we breathe.
aurora
One of nature's most spectacular light shows is called an aurora. These light shows take place close to the Northern and Southern Poles as solar particles collide with the earth's magnetic fields.
axis
Like a top, each planet has a center line known as an axis that it revolves around. Earth's axis would run from its North Pole straight through to its South Pole.
comet
A comet is an object that appears to have a glowing tail as it travels through space. One famous comet is Halley's comet, known for its timely return trips.
constellation
A group of stars that together form an image in the sky. One constellation that is well known is Orion.
dwarf planet
A planet that is smaller in size than the other planets it is being compared to. Pluto is considered a dwarf planet because it is so much smaller than the other planets in our solar system.
eclipse
When an object in space blocks the light of another object or prevents it from being in view, it is called an eclipse. Two common eclipses are solar and lunar.
galaxy
A large group of stars out in space. There are numerous galaxies in the universe. Galaxies can come in different shapes and sizes. The galaxy we live in is a spiral galaxy.
gravity
The force that pulls things toward the earth.
There is also a gravitational force in many other areas throughout the universe that seems to hold things together.
lunar
A word that describes something that has to do with the moon. There are lunar calendars and lunar missions. If people lived on the moon it would be a lunar colony.
magnitude
The amount of light a star emits or gives off is called its magnitude. Astronomers measure the magnitude of the stars out in the universe by using a number system.
meteorite
The objects that fall from space onto the earth are called meteorites. When they start to burn in the sky, they are sometimes called falling stars.
meteorology
The study of the Earth's atmosphere, usually involving activities within it such as the weather. Someone who studies meteorology is called a meteorologist.
Milky Way
The spiral galaxy that appears in our sky, like a faint trail of spilled milk, is called the Milky Way. The Milky Way is made up of billions of stars.
myth
A traditional story that is usually based on beliefs from religion or history. Myths have been told for years along with similar stories like tall tales, fables, and fairy tales.
nebula
Nebulae can be both light and dark, depending on whether a star is shining on the nebula's dust or whether the nebula's dust is blocking the light from the star that is behind it.
Oort cloud
A type of cloud that encircles our solar system.
This cloud is believed to be the birthplace of some of the icy comets that can be found traveling through our solar system.
phase
When something changes or develops, it goes through phases or stages. Each month the moon goes through a cycle of phases from a new moon to a full moon and back again. A crescent moon is one of the phases in the moon's cycle.
planetarium
A special building designed to display all the wonders of the solar system and outer space to an audience.
Polaris
The name given to the earth's pole star. You can find Polaris by looking for a bright star in the northern sky. It is part of a constellation we call the Little Dipper.
reflecting
Normally, people are thinking of water or mirrors when they think about something reflecting an image or light. Even though the moon has no light source of its own, it shines in the sky because the sun's light is reflecting off of the moon's surface.
satellite
A satellite can be a manmade object or something created in space that orbits planets such as Earth. Manmade satellites are used to send information from place to place or keep track of the weather.
science fiction
When a story is made up or not true it is considered fiction. Science fiction is a blend of scientific information and fiction. Many stories and movies about space are considered science fiction.
solar system
Our solar system consists of eight planets, one dwarf planet, the sun, and all of the other items that orbit around it. Our solar system is just one of many in the universe.
spectrum
Scientists and astronomers use a spectroscope to see the breakdown or separation of light into a spectrum, the same colors created by light shining through a prism.
telescope
A telescope is a tool that was invented to help people see things that are far away in the distance. Astronomers use telescopes to see planets and stars millions of miles out in space.
time warp
Some scientists wonder if there are places in space where time is distorted or warped. One place they believe a time warp may exist is in or around a black hole. Because no one has ever been there they can only guess what might happen.
universe
Everything around us as far as the eye can see. It contains stars, galaxies, planets, space, and us. Some people think there are other universes that go on beyond the one where we live.
Appendix B
Resources
Books
Carson, Mary Kay.
Exploring the Solar System: A
History with 22 Activities
(For Kids series). Chicago Review Press, 2006.
Cole, Michael D.
The Sun: The Center of the Solar
System
(Countdown to Space). Enslow Publishers, 2001.
DK Publishing (editor).
Astronomy
. DK Publishing, 2004.
DK Publishing (editor).
Universe
(DK Eyewitness Books). DK Publishing, 2003.
Harrington, Philip.
Astronomy for All Ages, 2nd
edition: Discovering the Universe through Activities
for Children and Adults
. Globe Pequot, 2000.
Kerrod, Robin.
Astronomy
. Southwater Publishing, 2000.
Nobleman, Marc Tyler.
3-D Thrillers! Solar System
(Discovery Kids). Dutton Children's Books, 2001.
School Specialty Publishing (editor).
Our Solar
System Science Kit
(Brighter Child). School Specialty Publishing, 2004.
School Specialty Publishing (editor).
Solar System
(Just the Facts). School Specialty Publishing, 2006.
Sohn, Emily.
Space and Astronomy
(Science News for Kids). Chelsea House Publications, 2006.
Stott, Carole.
Astronomy: Discoveries, Solar System,
Stars, Universe.
Kingfisher
,
2003.
VanCleave, Janice.
Janice VanCleave's the Solar
System: Mind-Boggling Experiments You Can Turn
into Science Fair Projects
. Jossey-Bass, 2000.
Web Sites
Amazing Space
At Amazing Space you will find movies featuring current cosmic events, along with space games, news about the universe, and a section for homework help.
http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/tonights_sky/index.php
At
Artyastro.com
you can travel through space, enter a time machine, or check your weight on one of the many different planets.
You will also find word search pages when you visit this site.
Astronomy for Kids
This site is filled with all kinds of fun things like sky maps, wonders from outer space, electronic postcards, information on the constellations, and endless space facts.
Earth and Moon Viewer
One way to see the earth and the moon up close is to use this site called the Earth and Moon Viewer. You can simply click on one of several preset images or you can see the
latitude and longitude for anywhere you want to explore on Earth. See the world from the sun's point of view at the link below.
http://fourmilab.ch/earthview/vplanet.html
Earth from Space
You can visit Earth from space by clicking on this large map to see the world the way a satellite sees it.
http://earth.jsc.nasa.gov/sseop/efs/categories.htm
Exploratorium
This Web site allows you to calculate your weight or age in numerous places located in space. You can also test your knowledge of gravity.