Science STAAR Category 3

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 

Our Sun is a middle-aged star with an average temperature and brightness. What type of star is our Sun according to the Hertzburg-Russell diagram?

• a white dwarf
  

• a red giant
  

• a star on the upper left portion on the main sequence 

• a star in the middle of the main sequence 

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 

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-4

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.HS-ESS1-3

The stars we see at night are: 

• in the Milky Way galaxy
  

• in the solar system
  

• in galaxies other than the Milky Way 

• both A and C 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Which of the following galaxies is most like our own Milky Way? 

• A

• B

• C

• D

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Looking at the answer choices in Question#8, which answer choice could best be classified as an asymmetrical galaxy? 

• Galaxy A

• Galaxy B

• Galaxy C

• Galaxy D

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Pulsars are dense, rotating stars that emit strong electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength around 6 mm. Using the chart below, what type of telescope would be best suited for observing pulsars? 

• radio telescopes 

• infrared telescopes 

• optical telescopes 

• ultraviolet telescopes 

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

You hear an astronomer on television mention that an object in space is about 10 light-years away from planet Earth. This object is located: 

• in the solar system
  

• nearby in the Milky Way galaxy
  

• on the other side of the Milky Way galaxy 

• in another galaxy 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3