astroid
Star-shaped mathematical curve
An astroid is a four-pointed star-shaped curve, technically a hypocycloid with four cusps, traced by a point on a circle rolling inside a larger circle four times its diameter.
The shape appears in mathematics and engineering contexts: The astroid has interesting geometric properties.
Not to be confused with asteroid, the rocky space object.
Path of moving object
- ellipseConic section curve
- perihelionOrbital point nearest sun
- aphelionFarthest point from sun
- eccentricityUnconventional behavior or nature
inclination · perturbation · resonance · delta-v · escape velocity · orbital mechanics · gravitational pull · conjunction
Small body in space
- cometIcy orbiting body
- planetesimalPrimordial orbiting rock
- dwarf planetMinor spherical solar orbiter
- minor planetSmall sun-orbiting body
solar system · protoplanetary · accretion · cosmic · interplanetary · space rock
Impact or volcanic basin
- extinctionComplete vanishing of a species
- bolideDetonating meteor, very bright
- airburstExplosion in the atmosphere
- impactorObject that strikes another
ejecta · mass extinction · dinosaurs · shock wave · fireball · near-miss
Goddess of crops and growth
Containing or composed of carbon
- silicateOxygen-bound crystal compound
- metallicResembling ore-based elements
- stony-ironMeteorite with both components
- chondriteMeteorite containing round grains
regolith · basalt · olivine · pyroxene · water ice · spectroscopy · rubble pile · monolithic
Asteroid-sampling space probe
- DawnProper name suggesting beginning
- RosettaTrilingual Egyptian artifact
- ErosGreek deity of desire
- IdaFeminine name, Germanic origin
flyby · rendezvous · spacecraft · probe · mining · deflection · DART
trajectory
Path of moving object
- ellipseConic section curve
- perihelionOrbital point nearest sun
- aphelionFarthest point from sun
eccentricity · inclination · perturbation · resonance · delta-v · escape velocity · orbital mechanics · gravitational pull · conjunction · opposition
meteoroid
Small body in space
- cometIcy orbiting body
- planetesimalPrimordial orbiting rock
- dwarf planetMinor spherical solar orbiter
minor planet · solar system · protoplanetary · accretion · cosmic · interplanetary · space rock
crater
Impact or volcanic basin
- extinctionComplete vanishing of a species
- bolideDetonating meteor, very bright
- airburstExplosion in the atmosphere
impactor · ejecta · mass extinction · dinosaurs · shock wave · fireball · near-miss
Ceres
Goddess of crops and growth
carbonaceous
Containing or composed of carbon
- silicateOxygen-bound crystal compound
- metallicResembling ore-based elements
- stony-ironMeteorite with both components
chondrite · regolith · basalt · olivine · pyroxene · water ice · spectroscopy · rubble pile · monolithic
Hayabusa
Asteroid-sampling space probe
Ida · flyby · rendezvous · spacecraft · probe · mining · deflection · DART
- astrological signZodiac position by birthdate
- Chinese astrologyAnimal-based birth year system
- astronaut trainingEducation for orbital travel
- astrological chartCelestial snapshot at birth
- astronaut helmetSealed headpiece for orbit
- ancient astronautHypothetical prehistoric alien visitor
astronaut, astronomy, astrology, astrophysics, astrological, astrolabe, astrophysical, astrometry, astrologist