Star Clusters Flashcard

Front

What is a protostar?

Back

A protostar is a 'baby' star that has not yet begun nuclear fusion.

Front

What does it mean when a star has moved to the right of the main sequence on an H-R diagram?

Back

It indicates that the star is older and has evolved from its main sequence phase.

Front

What is nuclear fusion in the context of star formation?

Back

Nuclear fusion is the process that occurs when a star is born, where hydrogen atoms combine to form helium, releasing energy.

Front

What is the main sequence in an H-R diagram?

Back

The main sequence is a band running from the top left to the bottom right, where most stars, including the Sun, are found.

Front

How do astronomers use H-R diagrams to determine the age of star clusters?

Back

Astronomers analyze the positions of stars on the H-R diagram to determine their evolutionary stages and estimate the cluster's age.

Front

What is a nebula?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of the Beehive cluster in astronomy?

Back

The Beehive cluster is significant for studying stellar evolution and comparing its age to other clusters like the Pleiades.

Front

What are supernovae?

Back

Supernovae are explosive deaths of massive stars, leading to the creation of neutron stars or black holes.

Front

What is a neutron star?

Back

A neutron star is the remnant core of a massive star that has undergone a supernova explosion, composed mostly of neutrons.

Front

What does it mean for a star to be luminous?

Back

A luminous star emits a significant amount of light and energy, often indicating a high temperature and mass.