Astronomical Dictionary on Letter #M

Magnetosphere

The region of space in which a planet's magnetic field dominates that of the solar wind. ...

Magnitude

The degree of brightness of a celestial body designated on a numerical scale, on which the brightest...

Meteor

Also known as a "shooting star" or "falling star", is a bright streak of light in the sky caused by ...

Meteorite

A stony or metallic object from interplanetary space that impacts a planetary surface....

Minor Planets

This term is preferred by astronomers, and is synonomous with the term asteroid. ...

Moon

A naturally occurring satellite, or relatively large body, orbiting a planet. ...

Magma

Molten rock material (liquids and gases)....

Mantle

The main bulk of a planet between the crust and the core; on Earth, the mantle ranges from about 40 ...

Mare

A dark, low-lying lunar plain, filled to some depth with volcanic rocks....

Mars

Planet fourth in order from the sun. In Roman mythology, god of war and discord (Greek name, Ares)....

Massif

A massive topographical feature, commonly formed of rocks more rigid than those of its surroundings....

Mead

Margaret Mead (1901-1978) American anthropologist, author and lecturer on contemporary social issues...

Mercury

The planet closest to the sun. In Roman mythology, the fleet-footed messenger god and escort of dead...

Mimas

In Greek mythology, a giant....

Morphology

The study of structure or form....

Mylitta

In ancient Phoenicia, a moon goddess who presided over fertility and childbirth....