Globular clusters
Are globular clusters generally young or old stellar systems?
These are dark areas on the sun's surface.
Sunspots
These are human made objects which have been sent into orbit around Earth to relay communications, take pictures, and perform other tasks.
Satellites
Is it true that all stars end as supernova?
No
What is the main source of space weather?
The Sun
Why do globular clusters contain many close binary systems?
Frequent close stellar encounters create and modify binaries.
The Sun is expected to become what type of stellar remnant?
A white dwarf
This fortress orbiting the earth is where many astronauts and researchers live. It was built by the efforts combined by many countries around the world and often has space shuttles dock with it to drop off supplies and exchange crew members.
The International Space Station
Which compact object is about the size of Earth but has about the mass of the Sun?
Neutron Star
What beautiful natural phenomenon can be produced by space weather?
Auroras
About how many stars can a typical globular cluster contain?
Hundreds of thousands to millions.
What is the main source of the Sun's energy?
Nuclear fusion of hydrogen into helium
Why is the South Atlantic Anomaly a concern for satellites?
It exposes satellites to increased radiation from trapped charged particles.
Mention 2 techniques to detect compact binaries in globular clusters?
Colors, variability, Ha excess, X-ray emission
Why are astronauts more vulnerable to space weather than people on Earth's surface?
They are less protected by Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field
Which telescope is best known for producing high-resolution visible-light images of globular clusters?
The Hubble Space Telescope
Which layer of the Sun is visible to our eyes?
Photosphere
Can you observe radio waves with a ground based telescope?
Yes
Why do some binary with stellar remnants produce X-rays?
The infalling gas is heated to millions of degrees as it approaches the stellar corpse
Mention a technology on Earth that can be disrupted during strong geomagnetic storms?
GPS navigation, Radio communications, Power grids
"Think Like an Astronomer"
You discover two clusters. One contains many cataclysmic variables and X-ray binaries, while the other contains very few. Which property is most likely different?
The dense cluster has a much higher central stellar density.
Which type of radiation from the Sun can disrupt satellites and communications during solar storms?
High-energy particles and X-rays
Where would you build a rocket launch site: Norway or Guatemala?
Guatemala
Is it true that every compact binary star produces eclipses
No, only those with high inclinations.
"Think Like a Mission Engineer"
A powerful solar storm is expected tomorrow. What is the best action for a satellite operator?
Place sensitive instruments in a protective or safe mode if needed