Astronomy

Definition of heliograph

There are two types of devices called heliographs. On the one hand, this is the name given to an artifact used in the field of meteorology to estimate the intensity and length of sunshine time. On the other hand, a heliograph is an element that produces telegraphic signals through […]

Definition of cosmography

Cosmography is the discipline that is responsible for describing the world from an astronomical point of view. Astronomy, meanwhile, is the science focused on the stars (celestial bodies). Cosmography is a term that derives from the late Latin cosmographĭa, in turn from the Greek kosmographía. The first record of use […]

Definition of cosmology

Cosmology is the specialization of astronomy focused on general laws and the birth and development of the universe. The term comes from modern Latin, although its etymological root is found in the Greek word kósmos (that is, "universe"). Analysis of the universe Before moving forward, it is important to remember that astronomy is […]

Definition of pleiad

According to the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE), a group of famous individuals who were or are contemporaries is called a pleiad. The term, as detailed by the RAE, is usually used above all to refer to writers. For example: “The plethora of Latin American literature will meet at the next language congress […]

Definition of planetoid

A planetoid is a minor body that is part of the solar system. According to the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE), the term can be used as a synonym for asteroid. The etymological origin of this term that we are now analyzing must be established that it is found in Greek. Specifically, it was given form […]

Definition of dwarf planet

The term that concerns us now is made up of two words of different etymological origin. Thus, planet, first of all, comes from the Greek noun "planetes", which can be translated as "wanderer" or "wanderer". Dwarf, secondly, comes from the Latin "nanus." A planet is a celestial body that lacks its own light. The planets rotate […]

Definition of nebula

The concept of nebula is used in the field of astronomy to refer to a cosmic matter formed by a combination of gases and dust, whose limits are not precise. The nebula, a term that derives from the Latin word nebulōsus, can take on different shapes. Helium and hydrogen are the most common components of […]

Definition of meteorite

Meteorites are remains of celestial bodies that impact the Earth or any other star. These fragments reach the surface since, when passing through the atmosphere, they do not completely disintegrate. It is important not to confuse between meteorite and meteor. A meteor is an atmospheric phenomenon that can have different characteristics: the luminosity that […]

Definition of mercury

The first thing we are going to do is determine the etymological origin of the term mercury that concerns us now. Specifically, it must be emphasized that it derives from Latin, exactly from the word "mercurius" which, in turn, emanates from "menx." The latter can be translated as "merchandise." Mercury is a chemical element whose symbol is Hg […]

Definition of star

The etymological origin of the term star is found in Latin. Exactly it is the result of the sum of the following lexical components of that language: -The noun lux, which means "light." -The suffix -ero, which is used to indicate “permanence” or “origin.” Venus, a star The notion of a star […]