Galaxies & the Universe

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What is a Globular Cluster?

Back

A Globular Cluster is a spherical collection of stars that orbits a galactic core as a satellite. They are densely packed and contain older stars.

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What is dark matter?

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Dark matter is a form of matter that makes up about 27% of the universe's mass-energy content. It does not emit light or energy, making it invisible and detectable only through its gravitational effects.

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What is the most common type of galaxy in the Local Group?

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The most common type of galaxy in the Local Group is the elliptical galaxy.

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What is an Open Cluster?

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An Open Cluster is a group of stars that are loosely bound by gravity and are often younger than those in globular clusters. They typically contain a few dozen to a few thousand stars.

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What is red shift?

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Red shift is the phenomenon where light from an object is shifted to longer wavelengths (the red end of the spectrum) as it moves away from the observer. It was discovered by Edwin Hubble and is evidence of the expansion of the universe.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

NGSS.HS-PS4-3

Front

What are the main types of galaxies?

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The main types of galaxies are spiral, elliptical, and irregular galaxies.

Front

What is the significance of Hubble's discovery in 1929?

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Hubble's discovery in 1929 showed that the universe is expanding, which was evidenced by the red shift of distant galaxies.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

Front

What is the Local Group?

Back

The Local Group is a collection of over 54 galaxies, including the Milky Way, Andromeda, and Triangulum, that are gravitationally bound to each other.

Front

What is the difference between a spiral galaxy and an elliptical galaxy?

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A spiral galaxy has a flat, rotating disk containing stars, gas, and dust, along with a central concentration of stars known as the bulge. An elliptical galaxy, on the other hand, has an ellipsoidal shape and lacks the distinct disk structure.

Front

What role does gravity play in the formation of galaxies?

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Gravity is the fundamental force that pulls matter together, leading to the formation of galaxies from clouds of gas and dust in the universe.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-4