Space Mechanics & Units
6 reference items
What is the distance that light travels in one year called?
A
Light Year
Explanation
A light year measures astronomical distance, roughly equal to 9.46 trillion kilometers.
What is the average distance from Earth to the Sun called?
A
Astronomical Unit
Explanation
One Astronomical Unit (AU) is approximately 150 million kilometers.
What is the minimum speed needed to escape a planet's gravity?
A
Escape Velocity
Explanation
Escape velocity for Earth's surface is approximately 11.2 kilometers per second.
What is a massive system of stars, gas, and dust bound by gravity?
A
Galaxy
Explanation
Galaxies contain billions of stars, ours being the Milky Way.
What is the giant cloud of gas and dust in space called?
A
Nebula
Explanation
Nebulae are often active nurseries where new stars are born.
What is the boundary of a black hole where escape is impossible?
A
Event Horizon
Explanation
The event horizon is the point of no return for matter and light.