Star Clusters Flashcard

Front

How do stars form?

Back

Stars form when a nebula collapses and nuclear fusion occurs.

Front

What is the turnoff point on the main sequence?

Back

The turnoff point on the main sequence is where stars move away from the main sequence.

Front

What is a characteristic of open clusters?

Back

Open clusters have an open, transparent appearance.

Front

What is the name of a 'baby' star that has not begun fusion yet?

Back

A 'baby' star that has not begun fusion yet is called a Protostar.

Front

What is the name of the gas/dust clouds that form stars?

Back

The gas/dust clouds that form stars are called Nebulas.

Front

What is a nebula?

Back

A nebula is a giant cloud of dust and gas in space, often the birthplace of stars.

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

Nuclear fusion is the process by which two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

Front

What are globular clusters?

Back

Globular clusters are tightly packed groups of older stars, often found in the halo of a galaxy.

Front

What is the main sequence in the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram?

Back

The main sequence is a continuous band of stars that shows a relationship between luminosity and temperature.

Front

What happens to a star when it exhausts its nuclear fuel?

Back

When a star exhausts its nuclear fuel, it undergoes changes that can lead to it becoming a red giant or supernova.