Galaxies and Stars

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What is a galaxy?

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A galaxy is a massive system that consists of stars, stellar remnants, interstellar gas, dust, and dark matter, bound together by gravity.

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What are the main types of galaxies?

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

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What is a spiral galaxy?

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A spiral galaxy is a type of galaxy characterized by its spiral arms that wind outward from the center, containing stars, gas, and dust.

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What is an elliptical galaxy?

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An elliptical galaxy is a type of galaxy that has an ellipsoidal shape and lacks the distinct features of spiral galaxies, often containing older stars.

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What is an irregular galaxy?

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An irregular galaxy is a galaxy that does not have a distinct regular shape, often resulting from gravitational interactions with other galaxies.

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What is a supernova?

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A supernova is a powerful and luminous explosion that occurs at the end of a star's life cycle, particularly in high-mass stars.

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What is the closest star to the sun?

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The closest star to the sun is Proxima Centauri, located about 4.24 light-years away.

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How far is the sun from the Earth?

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The sun is approximately 8.4 light-minutes away from the Earth.

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What is a high-mass star?

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A high-mass star is a star that has a mass greater than about 8 times that of the sun and typically ends its life in a supernova.

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What is a medium-mass star?

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A medium-mass star is a star with a mass between about 2 to 8 times that of the sun, which evolves into a red giant and ends as a white dwarf.