Astronomy

Astronomy

The scientific study of planets, stars, black holes, comets and other celestial bodies that make up outer space.

13Categories 47688Terms

Add a new term

Contributors in Astronomy

Become a Contributors

Astronomy > Planetary science

eccentricity

Astronomy; Planetary science

The measure of the degree of elongation of an ellipse. For example, a circle has an eccentricy of 0, and a parabola (an open figure) an eccentricity of 1. The deviation of an ...

parsec

Astronomy; Planetary science

A unit of astronomical distance equal to 3. 26 light years, or 206265 AU, which equals 3. 08 x 10 13 kilometers.

mare basalt

Astronomy; Planetary science

Rocks making up the dark, smooth, mare areas of the Moon.

stratigraphic column

Astronomy; Planetary science

A drawing showing the vertical sequence of rock. Geologists use this to interpret the relative sequence of past geological events.

spectra

Astronomy; Planetary science

The intensity of electromagnetic radiation (such as ultraviolet, visible light, and infrared, etc. ) across a range of wavelengths. A prism separates white light into the range of ...

pathfinder

Astronomy; Planetary science

The second in NASA's Discovery program of low-cost spacecraft with highly focused science goals, Mars Pathfinder landed successfully on Mars on July 4, 1997. Images, science ...