Vocabulary
process in which a star generates energy; two Hydrogens combine to form one Helium
Nuclear fusion
the distance between two points on a wave
wavelength
the smallest element in the universe
Hydrogen
Large clouds of gas and dust in space where stars are born
Stellar nebula
Large clouds of gas and dust in space where stars are born
Stellar nebula
When an object is moving away from Earth, this shift takes place
Redshift
the number of waves over a given time
frequency
part of an atom with a negative charge; found in the outer shell
Electron
Stage when almost all Hydrogen atoms in the core have fused into Helium atoms; star starts to swell up and get bigger
Red giant
A star that has collapsed under gravity to the point that the electrons and protons have smashed together to form neutrons
Neutron star
leftover radiation from the Big Bang
Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMBR)
The range of wavelengths or frequencies over which electromagnetic radiation extends
Electromagnetic spectrum
part of an atom with a positive charge; found in the nucleus
Proton
A cloud of gas that forms around a sun-like star that is dying
Planetary nebula
An object so massive and dense that even light cannot escape its gravity
Black hole
An observed change in the frequency of a wave when the source or observer is moving
Doppler effect
Wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum visible to the human eye
Visible light spectrum
part of an atom with no charge; found in the nucleus
Neutron
A small, hot, dim star that is the leftover center of an old star
explosion of a massive star; elements larger than Iron are created as a result
Supernova
Graph astronomers use to organize stars according to their luminosity, spectral type, color, temperature and evolutionary stage
H.R. diagram
Type of wave with the highest frequency on the electromagnetic spectrum. Also have the shortest wavelengths.
Gamma rays
The two elements that make up 99% of matter in the universe.
Hydrogen and Helium
Stage in which our sun is in now
Main-sequence
Prior to exploding (supernova), a massive star fuses elements up to iron during what stage?
Red Supergiant