- Industry: Astronomy
- Number of terms: 6727
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Planetary Science Research Discoveries (PSRD) is an educational site sharing the latest research by NASA-sponsored scientists on meteorites, asteroids, planets, moons, and other materials in our Solar System. The website is supported by the Cosmochemistry Program of NASA's Science Mission ...
Dark-colored, fine-grained extrusive igneous rock with about 52 to 63 weight percent silica (SiO<sub>2</sub>). Andesite consists mainly of plagioclase and one or more mafic minerals. The word andesite is derived from the Andes Mountains, located along the western edge of South America, where andesite rock is common.
Industry:Astronomy
The visible light in the sky produced when a meteoroid passes through Earth's atmosphere (can also refer to the glowing meteoroid itself).
Industry:Astronomy
A small, mostly rocky body orbiting the Sun. Asteroids range in size from 1000 kilometers in diameter to tiny objects you could hold in your hand. Most asteroids orbit the Sun between Mars and Jupiter (the Asteroid belt), and are the source of most meteorites. Principal asteroids are: 1 Ceres (a dwarf planet), 2 Pallas, 3 Juno, and 4 Vesta. The majority of asteroids fall into three types: C-type (carbonaceous), S-type (silicate or stony), and M-type (metallic).
Industry:Astronomy
Scientist who studies Earth, its structure, its materials, the physical and chemical processes and changes that occur on the surface and in the interior, and the history of the planet and its life forms. Planetary geologists extend their studies to the Moon, planets, and other solid bodies in the Solar System.
Industry:Astronomy
A compound formed by combining one carbon atom with two oxygen atoms, making the molecule CO<sub>2</sub>. Carbon dioxide is an important part of the atmospheres of Venus and Mars. Carbon dioxide gas condenses to a solid below -78° C. This solid is commonly known as dry ice. The polar ice caps on Mars are made of frozen water and carbon dioxide.
Industry:Astronomy
Naturally occurring inorganic solid with a definite chemical composition and crystal structure.
Industry:Astronomy
The random movement (spreading) of molecules from regions of highest concentrations to regions of lowest concentrations.
Industry:Astronomy
A drawing showing the vertical sequence of rock. Geologists use this to interpret the relative sequence of past geological events.
Industry:Astronomy
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 wavelengths we call a rainbow of colors. "Spectrum" is the singular form of the word.
Industry:Astronomy
