Galactic Grooves
Which of the following is not a type of galaxy: Elliptical, Spiral, Rectangular, or Irregular?
Rectangular
Dark matter is believed to make up approximately what percentage of the universe’s total mass-energy content?
27%
What is the boundary around a black hole beyond which nothing can escape?
Event horizon
What does the Big Bang Theory explain?
The origin of the universe
Which planet has the most prominent ring system?
Saturn
What type of galaxy is the Milky Way?
Spiral Galaxy
What is gravitational lensing used for in astronomy?
To detect dark matter because it bends light from distant objects
What is Hawking radiation?
Radiation emitted by black holes due to quantum effects
What is the CMB radiation and what’s its current temperature?
Remnant heat from the Big Bang; approximately 2.7 Kelvin
Which two elements are stars primarily composed of?
Hydrogen and Helium
Irregular galaxies often form due to what?
Collisions
What is dark energy responsible for?
The acceleration of the universe’s expansion
What happens to time as you approach a black hole?
Time dilation
Who discovered that the universe is expanding?
Edwin Hubble
Which planet has the longest orbital period?
Neptune
What is the main feature of an elliptical galaxy?
Smooth, featureless light distribution
What observation supports the existence of dark energy?
The accelerated expansion of the universe
What theory predicts the existence of black holes?
General relativity
Compare and contrast the Steady State model with the Big Bang model.
Big Bang = evolving universe, Steady State = continuous creation; Big Bang supported by CMB, redshift
What is the main component of Earth’s atmosphere?
Nitrogen
Compare and contrast spiral, elliptical, and irregular galaxies. Provide examples of each and discuss their significance in the universe.
should mention structure, star types, shape
One possible explanation for dark energy is what?
Quantum fluctuations in empty space/ property of space
Describe and draw the anatomy of a black hole. How do astronomers detect and confirm the existence of black holes?
event horizon, singularity, accretion disk
Compare the three theories of cosmic death.
Big Freeze, Big Crunch, Big Rip—each predicts a different end to the universe
Compare the formation processes of Jovian giants and terrestrial planets.
Jovian = gas giants from further, cooler nebula; Terrestrial = rocky, formed closer to sun