Unit 9: Space Vocabulary

Across

4. (two words): The remnants of a supernova explosion of a star less than 3 times the mass of the sun, composed almost entirely of neutrons.
6. A unit of measurement used in astronomy to describe distances to stars and galaxies, equivalent to about 3.26 light years.
8. A type of galaxy characterized by its spiraling arms.
9. A type of galaxy that does not have a distinct shape.
12. A young star that is still in the process of forming from a nebula. No fusion yet!
13. A bowl-shaped depression on the surface of a celestial body caused by the impact of an object. Used to estimate the age of a surface in celestial objects.
18. A grid system that divides the night sky into regions.
20. Referring to gas giants, like Jupiter, which have thick atmospheres and lack solid surfaces.
21. The fourth planet from the sun, often called the "Red Planet" due to its iron oxide surface.
22. (two words): The region in space between Mars and Jupiter where many asteroids are located.
27. (two words)An imaginary line that divides the celestial sphere into the northern and southern hemispheres.
29. 13 constellations that lie along the ecliptic plane. These had large historical significance in time keeping, marine navigation, and agriculture.
31. The sixth planet known for its prominent ring system.
32. (two words): A region of the solar system beyond Neptune, filled with icy bodies and dwarf planets.
35. Stars that have medium lifespans of about 15 billion years.
37. A giant cloud of dust and gas in space, often the birthplace of stars.
38. The largest planet in our solar system, known for its Great Red Spot and many moons.
41. A type of galaxy that has an oval shape and lacks spiral arms.
43. The second planet from the sun, similar in size to Earth but with a thick, toxic atmosphere. The hottest planet.

Down

1. Straight above the observer.
2. (two words): A type of matter that does not emit light or energy, making it invisible, yet it has gravitational effects on visible matter.
3. (three words): An extremely large star late stage of its evolution, characterized by a red hue as it expands outward.
5. The distance that light travels in one year, used to measure astronomical distances.
7. The seventh planet, known for its blue color and unique tilt and rotation.
10. Relating to the measurement of radioactive decay, used in dating materials.
11. Referring to planets that are Earth-like, having solid surfaces.
14. Stars that have long lifespans up to trillions of years.
15. The star at the center of our solar system, providing light and heat to the planets.
16. Where the sky meets the ground
17. A term used to describe a small celestial body or star, often in contrast to larger stars. Can be referred to as white or black depending on if light is still emitted.
19. (two words): The day the sun reaches the zenith.
23. The closest planet to the sun.
24. A type of galaxy that has a lens-like shape, combining features of spiral and elliptical galaxies.
25. (two words): The stage in a star's lifecycle where it fuses hydrogen into helium in its core.
26. (two words): The remnants of a supernova explosion of a star much more (3x or more) massive than the sun.
28. The third planet from the sun, known for supporting life.
30. The eighth planet, known for its deep blue color and strong winds.
33. (two words): The boundary surrounding a black hole beyond which nothing, not even light, can escape.
34. (two words)The extension of the Earth's magnetic poles into space
36. A powerful explosion that occurs when a star exhausts its nuclear fuel, collapses, and explodes.
39. (two words): A small or medium sized star late stage of its evolution, characterized by a red hue as it expands outward.
40. The series of stages a star goes through from “birth” to “death”.
42. Stars that have short lifespans of as little as a few million years.