(Encyclopedia) CleomedesCleomedesklēˌōmēˈdēz, klēˌə– [key], fl. 2d cent., Greek astronomer. In a treatise on the circular theory of heavenly bodies, he recorded several hypotheses, e.g., the earth's…
(Encyclopedia) TellusTellustĕlˈəs [key], in Roman religion, earth goddess; also called Terra Mater. As a goddess of fertility, she was worshiped at festivals held in January (in conjunction with…
(Encyclopedia) Manco CapacManco Capacmängˈkō käpäkˈ [key], legendary founder of the Inca dynasty of Peru. According to the most frequently told story, four brothers, Manco Capac, Ayar Anca, Ayar…
(Encyclopedia) eclipticeclipticēklĭpˈtĭk, ĭ– [key], the great circle on the celestial sphere that lies in the plane of the earth's orbit (called the plane of the ecliptic). Because of the earth's…
(Encyclopedia) elongation, in astronomy, the angular distance between two points in the sky as measured from a third point. The elongation of a planet is usually measured as the angular distance from…
(Encyclopedia) reconnaissance satellite, artificial satellite launched by a country to provide intelligence information on the military activities of foreign countries. There are four major types.…
(Encyclopedia) weather satellite, artificial satellite used to gather data on a global basis for improvement of weather forecasting. Information includes cloud cover, storm location, temperature, and…
(Encyclopedia) Mars, in astronomy, 4th planet from the sun, with an orbit next in order beyond that of the earth.
Mars has two natural satellites, discovered by Asaph Hall in 1877. The innermost…
GLORIOUS RINGSRING MATERIALFIND OUT MOREA system of shining rings makes Saturn a very distinctive planet. We see the rings from different angles at different times as the planet circles the…
