There are so many astronomical objects out there behaving in mysterious ways that astronomers are still trying to figure out. A brand new set of words and language has to be invented every time something is discovered and that is part of what makes the study of space so interesting. There’s so much out there that is waiting to be found.
The use of mythological and ancient names to name all the objects that are in space has also always given astronomy an air of mystery and wonder that attracts all kinds of people and incentivizes them to look at the sky every night.
There are so many space-related words and terms that it is hard to keep up.
This is why below, we have compiled a list of space words that start with Q so you can learn more about the study of the universe. These are words that are related to astronomy and space, if what you are looking for is specifically for name ideas or the names of objects, check out our lists of star names, planets, or constellations. You will also find those sorted by letter.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Q-value | In nuclear physics, the energy released in a nuclear reaction or decay. It’s an important concept in understanding nuclear reactions in stars and other cosmic processes. |
| QSO (Quasi-Stellar Object) | An alternative term for quasar, referring to its star-like appearance and unresolved nature in early observations. |
| Quadrantid Meteor Shower | An annual meteor shower occurring in early January, originating from debris left behind by the asteroid 2003 EH1. |
| Quaoar | A trans-Neptunian object and a dwarf planet located in the Kuiper belt. |
| Quark | Elementary particles that combine to form protons, neutrons, and other hadrons. |
| Quark-Gluon Plasma | A state of matter that is believed to have existed in the early universe, where quarks and gluons, which are usually confined within particles like protons and neutrons, become deconfined and free to move. |
| Quasar | An extremely bright and distant celestial object, believed to be powered by supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies. |
| Quasar Redshift | The observed shift of the spectral lines of quasars towards longer wavelengths, indicating their high recessional velocities and implying they are located at great distances. |
| Quasi-Moon | An asteroid or other celestial body that temporarily orbits Earth in a manner resembling that of a natural satellite, but is not a true moon. |
| Quenched Galaxy | A galaxy that has ceased or greatly reduced its star formation activity, often due to processes such as gas depletion or environmental effects. |
| Quetzalcoatl | An asteroid named after the feathered serpent deity in Mesoamerican mythology. |
| Quiescence | In astronomy, it refers to a period of reduced or minimal activity in a celestial object, such as a star or a black hole. |
| Quindar | A variable star in the constellation Cassiopeia, named after the Quindar tones used in NASA communications. |
| Quintuplet Cluster (Galaxy) | A dense cluster of stars near the center of the Milky Way galaxy. |
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