Astronomy Flashcard

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What is the Geocentric Theory?

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The Geocentric Theory is an astronomical model that places the Earth at the center of the universe, with all other celestial bodies orbiting around it. This theory was widely accepted until the heliocentric model was proposed.

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What is the Big Bang Theory?

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The Big Bang Theory is the leading explanation for the origin of the universe, suggesting that it began from an extremely hot and dense state and has been expanding ever since.

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What can ultraviolet telescopes reveal?

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Ultraviolet telescopes can reveal hot, energetic phenomena in the universe, such as young stars and the regions around black holes.

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How does a star's mass affect its lifecycle?

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A star's mass determines its lifecycle, including how long it stays on the main sequence and what type of supernova or remnant it will leave behind.

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What special technique do x-ray telescopes use?

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X-ray telescopes use nested cylindrical mirrors to focus x-rays, which cannot be focused by traditional lenses.

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What is the Heliocentric model?

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The Heliocentric model is an astronomical model that places the Sun at the center of the solar system, with the Earth and other planets orbiting around it.

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What are pulsars?

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Pulsars are highly magnetized rotating neutron stars that emit beams of electromagnetic radiation out of their magnetic poles.

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What is the significance of gravity in astronomy?

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Gravity is the force that governs the motion of celestial bodies, influencing orbits, the formation of stars, and the structure of galaxies.

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What is the role of density in stellar evolution?

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Density affects the pressure and temperature in a star's core, influencing nuclear fusion processes and the star's evolution.

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What are the main types of telescopes used in astronomy?

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The main types of telescopes include optical telescopes, radio telescopes, infrared telescopes, ultraviolet telescopes, and x-ray telescopes.