1. 8th Grade Characteristics of the Universe

2. Universe Outer space and everything in it.
Image from: Definition Adapted From: Access Science Glossary, page 324.

3. Star An object made of gas that gives off energy.
Image From: Definition Adapted From: Access Science Glossary, page 322.

4. Nebula A large cloud of gas and dust in space where stars form.
Image from:
Definition From:

5. Galaxy A large grouping of stars in space.
Image From: Definition:

6. Spiral Galaxy
A galaxy with a bulge in the center and distinctive spiral arms.
Galaxy M81 is a spiral galaxy
Image From: Definition:

7. Irregular Galaxy A galaxy with an irregular shape.
Barnard’s Galaxy is an irregular shaped galaxy.
Image From:
Definition:

8. Elliptical Galaxy A spherical or elongated-shaped galaxy.
M87 is an elliptical galaxy.
Image From: Definition:

9. Milky Way Galaxy The name of the galaxy where we live.
Image From: Definition Adapted From:

10. Moon A natural satellite of a planet.
Image From: Definition:

11. Comet A body of ice, rock, and dust that orbits the sun.
Great Comet” of 1996, Hyakutake
Image From: Definition:

12. Light Year
A measure of how long it takes light to travel through space in one year.
Image From:
Definition:

13. Magnitude A measure of how bright a star is.
Images From: & Definition:

14. H – R Diagram
Shows the relationship between absolute magnitude, luminosity, classification, and effective temperature of stars.
Image From: Definition Adapted From:

15. Gas Giant
A large planet made mostly of gases and found in the outer solar system.
Image From:
Definition:

16. Terrestrial Planet A rocky planet in the inner solar system.
Image From:
Definition:

17. Meteorite
A piece of rock from space that has landed on the Earth's surface without completely burning up.
Meteorite close to Grootfontein
Image From: Definition:

18. Meteoroid
A small, rocky body that revolves around the Sun; smaller than an asteroid.
Image From:
Definition Adapted From:

19. Asteroid A small, rocky body that revolves around the Sun.
Asteroid Ida
Image From: Definition:

20. Meteor
A bright streak of light caused by the burning of a piece of rock from space as it enters the Earth's atmosphere.
Image From: Definition:

21. Electromagnetic Spectrum
The range of all the waves that can travel through matter as well as empty space.
Image From: Definition: