el cohete
El cohete is a rocket, often used for space launches or fireworks. In space contexts, it suggests propulsion and liftoff.
Common Phrases
- lanzar un cohete — to launch a rocket
- el cohete despega — the rocket takes off
Example
El cohete despega y la gente aplaude.
The rocket takes off and people clap.
Common Mistake
Mixing the article: el cohete, not la cohete.
el meteoro
El meteoro is a meteor, the streak of light you see when space rock burns in the atmosphere. It is what people often call a shooting star.
Common Phrases
- ver un meteoro — to see a meteor
- una lluvia de meteoros — a meteor shower
Example
Vimos un meteoro cruzar el cielo.
We saw a meteor cross the sky.
Common Mistake
Confusing terms: meteoro (light in the sky) vs meteorito (the rock that reaches the ground).
el universo
El universo means the universe: everything that exists, including space, matter, and time. It is common in big-picture or science conversations.
Common Phrases
- el universo infinito — the infinite universe
- explorar el universo — to explore the universe
Example
El universo parece enorme desde aqui.
The universe seems huge from here.
Common Mistake
Spelling mix-ups: universo has one n, not univerzo.
el satelite
El satelite is a satellite, usually an object orbiting Earth or another body to send signals or collect data. It can be natural or artificial in meaning, depending on context.
Common Phrases
- un satelite en orbita — a satellite in orbit
- enviar senales — to send signals
Example
Un satelite en orbita envia datos a la Tierra.
A satellite in orbit sends data to Earth.
Common Mistake
Forgetting the accent: el satelite should be el satelite in spelling practice, not el satelite without attention to stress.
la galaxia
La galaxia is a galaxy: a vast system of stars, gas, and dust. It is perfect for describing what you see in photos or a planetarium.
Common Phrases
- una galaxia lejana — a distant galaxy
- la Via Lactea — the Milky Way
Example
La galaxia se ve mejor lejos de las luces.
The galaxy looks better far from the lights.
Common Mistake
Gender slip: la galaxia, not el galaxia.
la nave
La nave means a craft or vehicle, and in space contexts it commonly refers to a spacecraft. It is a flexible word that can sound more natural than a very technical term.
Common Phrases
- la nave espacial — the spacecraft
- aterrizar en el desierto — to land in the desert
Example
La nave espacial aterriza con precision.
The spacecraft lands with precision.
Common Mistake
Over-translating from English: prefer la nave or la nave espacial, not la spacecraft.
el espacio
El espacio means space, especially outer space in science contexts. It can also mean physical space in general, but the topic usually makes the meaning obvious.
Common Phrases
- en el espacio — in space
- viajar al espacio — to travel to space
Example
En el espacio todo parece silencioso.
In space everything seems quiet.
Common Mistake
Using the wrong preposition: en el espacio for location, not a el espacio unless you mean direction (usually al espacio).
el cielo
El cielo means the sky, especially what you look at when you watch stars, clouds, or a launch. It is a core word for night-sky descriptions.
Common Phrases
- el cielo despejado — the clear sky
- mirar hacia arriba — to look up
Example
Hoy el cielo esta claro para ver estrellas.
Today the sky is clear to see stars.
Common Mistake
Mixing sky and heaven: el cielo can mean both, so add context like estrellas for the night sky; avoid vague el cielo es bonito when you mean stargazing.