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minor planets

/ˈmaɪnər ˈplænɪts/

Meanings
noun
An astronomical object in direct orbit around the Sun that is not a planet or a comet.

Examples :

"Astronomers study minor planets like asteroids to learn more about the early solar system. "
astronomy space

Related Words

Illustration comet

comet noun

/ˈkɒmət/

A celestial body consisting mainly of ice, dust and gas in a (usually very eccentric) orbit around the Sun and having a "tail" of matter blown back from it by the solar wind as it approaches the Sun.

"The astronomer pointed out the bright comet in the night sky. "

Illustration astronomers

astronomers noun

/əˈstrɑnəmərz/

One who studies astronomy, the stars or the physical universe; a scientist whose area of research is astronomy or astrophysics

"Astronomers use telescopes to study planets and stars. "

Illustration planets

planets noun

/ˈplænɪts/

Each of the seven major bodies which move relative to the fixed stars in the night sky—the Moon, Mercury, Venus, the Sun, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.

"Ancient astronomers observed that seven planets – the Moon, Mercury, Venus, the Sun, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn – moved differently than the fixed stars. "

Illustration object

object noun

/ˈɒb.d͡ʒɛkt/ /ˈɑb.d͡ʒɛkt/

A thing that has physical existence.

"The student's favorite object in her classroom was a colorful globe. "

Illustration asteroids

asteroids noun

/ˈæstəˌɹoɪdz/

Any member of the taxonomic class Asteroidea; a starfish

"While walking on the beach during low tide, we saw many asteroids, also known as starfish, clinging to the rocks. "

Illustration astronomical

astronomical adjective

/ˌæs.tɹəˈnɒm.ɪk.əl/ /ˌæstɹəˈnɑːmɪkəl/

Of or relating to astronomy.

"My science class requires us to use astronomical charts to identify constellations. "

Illustration direct

direct verb

/d(a)ɪˈɹɛkt/

To manage, control, steer.

"to direct the affairs of a nation or the movements of an army"

Illustration planet

planet noun

/ˈplænət/ /ˈplænɪt/

Each of the seven major bodies which move relative to the fixed stars in the night sky—the Moon, Mercury, Venus, the Sun, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.

"The ancient Greeks studied the planets, including Mercury and Mars, to understand the night sky. "

Illustration system

system noun

/ˈsɪstəm/

A collection of organized things; a whole composed of relationships among its members.

"There are eight planets in the solar system."

Illustration orbit

orbit noun

/ˈɔː(ɹ)bɪt/

A circular or elliptical path of one object around another object, particularly in astronomy and space travel.

"The Earth's orbit around the sun takes a year. "

Illustration around

around adjective

/əˈɹaʊnd/

(with the verb "to be") Present in the vicinity.

"Is Clare around today?"

Illustration study

study verb

/ˈstʌdi/

(usually academic) To review materials already learned in order to make sure one does not forget them, usually in preparation for an examination.

"I need to study my biology notes."