STAAR Category 3

Which section of the diagram includes the coolest, brightest stars?

• Section 1

• Section 2

• Section 3

• Section 4

The temperature of a star determines the wavelength of visible light that is produced. The visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum is shown.

Stars with the highest temperatures will emit most of their light at wavelengths that are near —

• red light

• orange light

• green light

• blue light

The moon remains in orbit around Earth because of the force of —

• Earth’s rotation

• the moon’s rotation

• Earth’s gravity

• the sun’s gravity

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

On which date will they most likely be able to observe a new moon?

• May 13

• May 18

• May 25

• May 31

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Ocean currents affect weather patterns by —

• regulating when tides occur in coastal areas

• trapping heat at the equator to regulate the global climate

• distributing heat from the uneven absorption of solar energy

• increasing the rate of evaporation to transport water to areas experiencing droughts

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

A topographic map provides details about Emory Peak in Big Bend National Park. A radio tower on Emory Peak is indicated. Based on the topographic map, if a park ranger hiked due west from the radio tower, the ranger’s path would —

• cross a canyon with a river running through it

• cross another peak in the park

• be flat and then go up a steep slope

• go down a steep slope and then become flatter

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

As a normal, averaged-size star progresses through its life cycle, what change will it undergo? 

• it becomes cooler
  

• it gets smaller
  

• it becomes brighter 

• its gravity increases 

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-1

NGSS.HS-ESS1-3

Using the chart in Question 1, what is most likely Object #2. 

• Venus
  

• a nearby star relatively close to our solar system 

• a black hole near the center of the Milky Way 

• another galaxy 

The following picture is the Horsehead Nebula and is located about 1,500 light years from Earth in the constellation Orion. What is most likely occurring in the Horsehead Nebula?

• new star formation 

• formation of black holes 

• star explosions like supernovas 

• the birth of new galaxies 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Use this model of the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram to answer question.
An astronomer discovers a new star that is very hot, but not very bright. What type of star did she discover?

• a red giant
  

• a young star on the main sequence 

• an old star on the main sequence 

• a white dwarf