Unit 2: Formation of the Universe

Front

the true brightness of a star (regardless of how far away it is)

Back

absolute magnitude

Front

the brightness of a star as it appears from Earth

Back

apparent magnitude

Front

the most accepted theory for the origin of the universe; states that all matter was concentrated in a tiny point when a giant explosion sent matter out in all directions; the matter condensed to form billions of galaxies

Back

Big Bang theory

Front

a celestial object with gravity so strong that even light cannot escape, formed from the collapse of a very massive, old star

Back

black hole

Front

a huge, very bright star with a short life span that is able to fuse helium to heavier elements, including carbon and oxygen

Back

blue giant star

Front

an outline, sketch, or other image designed to convey information about relationships or how something works

Back

diagram

Front

(or nuclear fusion)- the process by which one atom combines with another to become one atom of a heavier element; in stars, the process by which hydrogen is fused into helium producing energy that is given off as electromagnetic radiation

Back

fusion

Front

a group of billions of stars

Back

galaxy

Front

a diagram that shows the relationship between two variables with each variable plotted along an axis (x- or y-axis)

Back

graph

Front

a graph that shows the relationship between a star’s color, brightness (absolute magnitude) and temperature

Back

Hertzsprung-Russell diagram