click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
8th Astronomy
Astronomy
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Universe | Outer space and everything in it. |
| Star | An object made of gas that gives off energy. |
| Nebula | A large cloud of gas and dust in space where stars form. |
| Galaxy | A large grouping of stars in space. |
| Spiral Galaxy | A galaxy with a bulge in the center and distinctive spiral arms. |
| Irregular Galaxy | A galaxy with an irregular shape. |
| Elliptical Galaxy | A spherical or elongated-shaped galaxy. |
| Milky Way Galaxy | The name of the galaxy where we live. |
| Magnitude | Brightness of star based on distance. |
| H – R Diagram | Shows the classification of stars (magnitude, luminosity, and temperature). |
| The sun | Main sequence star which the planets and other objects in our solar system revolve. |
| Luminosity | The brightness of an object in space compared to our sun. |
| Big Bang | The theory that is the leading explanation about how the universe began. |
| Protostar | Young star still gathering mass |
| Main Sequence Star | Stage after protostar. Star that begins hydrogen fusion. |
| Red Giant | Stage after main sequence. No more hydrogen fusion. Star begins to cool down and increase in size. |
| White Dwarf | Stage after red giant. Remaining core of red giant. |
| Supernova | Stage after red supergiant. Explosion that throws out elements into space. |
| Black Hole | Stage after supernova. Core collapses on itself. Intense gravitational pull not even light escapes. |
| Black Dwarf | Stage after white dwarf. |
| Neutron Star | Stage after supernova. Small dense collapsed core of massive star. |