Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Space Exploration

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Space Exploration 1. Comet vs. Asteroid Comets and asteroids are often mistaken for one another. While both are celestial objects, comets are composed of ice, dust, and rock, and often have a tail when they approach the Sun. Asteroids, on the other hand, are primarily made up of rock and metal. Understanding this distinction is crucial when studying the origins of our solar system. 2. Galaxy vs. Universe The terms 'galaxy' and 'universe' are sometimes used interchangeably, but they refer to different scales. A galaxy is a vast system of stars, gas, and dust, held together by gravity. Our Milky Way is an example of a galaxy. In contrast, the universe encompasses everything - all the galaxies, stars, planets, and even space itself. It's the entirety of existence as we know it. 3. Rocket vs. Space Shuttle When it comes to space travel, 'rocket' and 'space shuttle' are often confused. A rocket is a vehicle that propels itself by expelling mass in one direction, following Newton's third law of motion.