STELLAR EVOLUTION (and some planet stuff) COMPETITION

Front

What is stellar evolution?

Back

The process by which a star changes over time, including its formation, life cycle, and eventual death.

Front

What are the main stages of stellar evolution?

Back

1. Nebula 2. Protostar 3. Main Sequence Star 4. Red Giant/Supergiant 5. Supernova/Planetary Nebula 6. Neutron Star/Black Hole/White Dwarf.

Front

What is a nebula?

Back

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

Front

What is a protostar?

Back

A young star that is still in the process of forming, where gas and dust are collapsing under gravity.

Front

What is a main sequence star?

Back

A star that is in the stable phase of its life cycle, fusing hydrogen into helium in its core.

Front

What happens to a high mass star after the main sequence?

Back

It expands into a supergiant.

Front

What is a supernova?

Back

A powerful and luminous explosion that occurs at the end of a high mass star's life cycle.

Front

What is fusion in the context of stars?

Back

The process of merging lighter atomic nuclei, such as hydrogen, to form heavier nuclei, releasing energy.

Front

What is a red giant?

Back

A late stage in the life cycle of a star where it has expanded and cooled after exhausting hydrogen in its core.

Front

What is a black hole?

Back

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