Astronomy Concepts and Terminology

Front

What does star light tell us about a star?

Back

Star light provides information about the star’s temperature.

Front

What happens to a star's gas at the end of its life cycle?

Back

Much of a star's gas escapes into space.

Front

How do astronomers identify areas in the night sky?

Back

Astronomers identify areas in the night sky using constellations.

Front

True or False: Galaxies can clump together to form superclusters.

Back

True

Front

What do stars that are more than 10 times more massive than the Sun explode as?

Back

They explode as supernovae.

Front

What is a constellation?

Back

A constellation is a group of stars that form a recognizable pattern in the night sky.

Front

What is a supernova?

Back

A supernova is a powerful and luminous explosion of a star at the end of its life cycle.

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What is the Milky Way?

Back

The Milky Way is the galaxy that contains our Solar System.

Front

What is a black hole?

Back

A black hole is a region of space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from it.

Front

What is the difference between a planet and a star?

Back

A planet orbits a star and does not produce its own light, while a star generates light and heat through nuclear fusion.