Universe Vocabulary

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Nebula

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A large cloud of gas and dust in space, often a birthplace for stars.

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Nuclear Fusion

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The process by which two atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy; powers stars.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

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Star

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A massive, luminous ball of gas (mostly hydrogen and helium) that generates energy through nuclear fusion.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

NGSS.HS-ESS1-3

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Red Giant

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A large, bright star in the late stages of its life, expanding and cooling after exhausting its hydrogen fuel.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-3

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White Dwarf

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A small, dense star that is the remnant of a low to medium-mass star after it has shed its outer layers.

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Black Dwarf

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A theoretical, cold, dark remnant of a white dwarf after it has cooled completely (not yet observed).

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Supernova

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A powerful explosion of a dying star, releasing a large amount of energy and elements into space.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-3

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Neutron Star

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A dense, compact star made mostly of neutrons, formed after a supernova, often with extreme gravity and rotation.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-3

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Black Hole

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A region of space where gravity is so strong that not even light can escape; formed when massive stars collapse.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-4

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Luminosity

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The total amount of energy a star emits per second, often measured in terms of the Sun's energy output.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1