Unit 6: Investigating the Universe

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Absolute Magnitude

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A measure of how luminous a celestial object really is if all celestial objects were the same distance from Earth.

Front

Apparent Magnitude

Back

A measure of how luminous the celestial object appears, based on its distance from Earth.

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Asteroid

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A relatively small, rocky object that orbits the Sun.

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Big Bang theory

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A scientific theory concerning the early development and shape of the universe from a dense state, which began and is still expanding.

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Black Dwarf Star

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All that is left after a white dwarf star burns off all of its heat, but a mass remains.

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Black Hole

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A region in space where gravity is so strong that even light cannot escape.

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Blue Giant Star

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A class of very hot stars, bluish in color and a diameter that is large relative to the Sun.

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Blue Shift

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The compression of light wavelengths that occurs when a light-emitting object moves toward an observer, causing the wavelengths to 'shift' toward the blue end of the visible light spectrum.

Front

Comet

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A celestial body, composed of frozen gases, rocks, and dust, that orbits the Sun.

Front

Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB)

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Electromagnetic radiation that remains from the Big Bang and early stages of the universe.