Sun's Evolution/Stars Flashcard

Front

What is the estimated age of the universe compared to our solar system?

Back

The universe is at least twice as old as our solar system.

Front

What shape does the Milky Way Galaxy resemble?

Back

The Milky Way Galaxy is spiral in shape.

Front

What will happen to a star like Earth's Sun at the end of its life cycle?

Back

It will change into a white dwarf.

Front

What happens to the Sun in stage 2 of its evolution?

Back

It becomes cooler and brighter.

Front

What evidence supports the theory that the universe is expanding?

Back

The red shift in the light from distant galaxies.

Front

Define a white dwarf.

Back

A white dwarf is a small, dense star that is the remnant of a low to medium mass star after it has exhausted its nuclear fuel.

Front

What is a supernova?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of red shift in astronomy?

Back

Red shift indicates that an object in space is moving away from the observer, providing evidence for the expansion of the universe.

Front

What are the stages of a star's life cycle?

Back

The stages include nebula, main sequence, red giant, and white dwarf (or supernova for massive stars).

Front

What is the main sequence phase of a star?

Back

The main sequence is the longest phase in a star's life where it fuses hydrogen into helium in its core.