astronomy: A field of science that deals with celestial bodies, the universe, and the physical universe. People who work in this field are called astronomers.
astrophysicist: A scientist who works in the field of astronomy, which deals with understanding the physical properties of stars and other celestial objects in the universe.
astrophysics: The branch of astronomy that deals with understanding the physical properties of stars and other celestial bodies in the universe. People who work in this field are known as astrophysicists.
atmosphere: An envelope of gas surrounding the Earth, another planet, or the Moon.
Coriolis effect: Apparent force due to the planet’s rotation. This motion causes the moving object (such as a soccer ball in the air or the wind) to move to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere.
the current: A fluid such as water or air that moves in a discernible direction.
equator: An imaginary line around the Earth that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
element: Something that plays a role in a particular state or event. Contributor.
filter: (in physics) a screen, plate, or layer of material that absorbs light or other radiation, or selectively prevents the transmission of some of its components.
Power: external influences that can change the motion of objects, move objects closer together, or cause motions or stresses in stationary objects.
gas giant: A huge planet mainly composed of helium and hydrogen, which are gases on Earth. Jupiter and Saturn are gas giant planets.
infrared: A type of electromagnetic radiation that is invisible to the human eye. The name borrows from Latin and means “under the red.” Infrared light has wavelengths longer than those visible to the human eye. Other invisible wavelengths include X-rays, radio waves, and microwaves. Infrared light tends to record the thermal signature of objects and environments.
jet stream: Fast-flowing upper air current. On Earth, the main jet stream flows from west to east in mid-latitude regions of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Jupiter: (in astronomy) The largest planet in the solar system and the shortest day (9 hours and 55 minutes). As a gas giant, its low density indicates that it is primarily composed of the light elements hydrogen and helium. The planet also gives off more heat than it receives from the Sun, as its mass is compressed by gravity (and the planet slowly shrinks).
Physics: Scientific study of the nature and nature of matter and energy. Classical physics explains the nature and properties of matter and energy. Scientists who work in such fields are known as physicists.
planet: A large celestial body that orbits a star, but unlike a star, it does not produce visible light.
Saturn: The sixth planet from the sun in our solar system. One of the two gas giant planets, the planet takes 10.6 hours to rotate (complete a day) and 29.5 Earth years to orbit the Sun once. There are at least 82 satellites. But the planet’s most distinctive feature is the wide, flat surface of the bright ring that orbits it.
Steer: To direct the movement of something (a vehicle, person, or idea) in a particular direction.
stratosphere: The second layer of Earth’s atmosphere, just above the troposphere or ground layer. The stratosphere extends from about 14 to 64 kilometers (9 to about 31 miles) above sea level. Other planets with atmospheres may have similar layers.
telescope: A light focusing device that typically uses a lens or a combination of curved mirrors and lenses to make distant objects appear closer. However, some collect radio radiation (energy from different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum) through a network of antennas.
troposphere: The lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere. Depending on latitude, it extends 8 to 14 kilometers (5 to 9 miles) above the planet’s surface. This is the area where the air is thickest and where the most weather occurs. Airflow through this area is not only horizontal, but also often vertical (up and down). Other planets with atmospheres may have similar layers.
voyager: Two NASA missions conducting close explorations of Jupiter, Saturn, Saturn’s rings, and the larger moons of both gas giants. Voyager 2 launched on August 20, 1977, 16 days earlier than Voyager 1. Both ships are near the edge of the solar system and are still flying through space.
Source: www.snexplores.org
