Unit 3.2 Stellar Characteristics Vocabulary

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Gravity

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The force of attraction between objects with mass; it pulls inward towards a star's core.

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Nuclear Fusion

Back

The process by which nuclear reactions combine lighter atomic nuclei to form heavier ones, releasing energy in the process.

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Luminosity

Back

The total amount of energy emitted by a star per second; a measure of the star's intrinsic brightness.

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Spectroscopy

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The study of the interaction between light and matter, which helps in determining a star's composition, temperature, and motion.

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Hydrostatic Equilibrium

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The balance between the inward force of gravity and the outward force of pressure in a star, which keeps it stable over its lifetime.

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Photosphere

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The visible surface layer of a star, from which light is emitted.

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Magnitude

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A numerical scale that quantifies the brightness of a star, with lower values indicating brighter stars.

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Apparent Brightness

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The brightness of a star as seen from Earth, which can be affected by distance and atmospheric conditions.

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Absolute Magnitude

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The actual brightness of a star if it were placed at a standard distance of 10 parsecs (32.6 light-years) from Earth.

Front

Doppler Effect

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The change in frequency or wavelength of light from a star due to its motion relative to an observer, indicating movement towards or away from the observer.