Star Classification

A student classifies stars using the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram.

One star has an intrinsic brightness similar to Rigel and a surface temperature similar to Spica. What is the star’s classification?

• Main Sequence

• Supergiant

• Red Giant

• White Dwarf

A newly discovered star was determined to be of similar surface temperature and intrinsic brightness as the sun. Based on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram in question #1, what is a prediction for the color of this star?

• Blue

• White

• Red

• Yellow

All of the following are advantages to using the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram EXCEPT —

• it gives information about the ages of stars

• it gives information about the brightness of stars

• it gives information about the stars’ distances from Earth

• it gives information about the colors of stars

A student sketches the following galaxies in a notebook. How should the student label each of the galaxies?

• A-Irregular, B-Spiral, C-Elliptical

• A-Elliptical, B-Circular, C-Irregular

• A-Spiral, B-Irregular, C-Elliptical

• A-Spiral, B-Elliptical, C-Irregular

Which component of the universe contains a greater amount of mass?

• Nebula, because it is a thick cloud of dust and gases

• Galaxy, because it is a grouping of stars, gases, and dust held together by gravity

• Star, because it is a huge ball of gases giving off heat and light

• Planet, because it is a solid sphere orbiting a star

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

A science teacher challenges the class to produce a realistic model of a galaxy. Which materials would be the best choice for the model?

• Lima beans

• Sugar granules

• Pinto beans

• Rice

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

Astronomers studying our galaxy have recently discovered areas of the galaxy where massive new stars are forming. Which tools aid the astronomers’ research?

• 1 and 3 only

• 2 & 5 only

• 3 and 4 only

• 4 & 5 only

Which phase at the beginning of a star's life can be described as an interstellar cloud of dust with hydrogen and helium gases?

• Main Sequence

• Black hole

• Protostar

• Nebula

Which is NOT a component of galaxies?

• Universe

• Stars

• Dust

• Planets

Hertzsprung and Russell based their diagram on scientific evidence. The diagram is very important to the scientific community because it helps astronomers classify stars. Many astronomers use the diagram to-

• learn more about the field of astronomy

• explain how galaxies behave

• determine temperatures of nebulae

• organize information and analyze patterns