Star Clusters

The video explores star clusters, focusing on open and globular clusters. Open clusters are young, loosely bound groups of stars that eventually disperse. Globular clusters are older, denser, and contain hundreds of thousands of stars. They are among the first objects formed in the universe. The video also highlights famous clusters like the Pleiades and Hyades, and discusses the challenges of planet formation in globular clusters due to their lack of heavy elements.

What is the primary difference between open and globular clusters?

• Open clusters are older than globular clusters.

• Globular clusters contain fewer stars than open clusters.

• Globular clusters are found only in the Milky Way.

• Open clusters are loosely bound, while globular clusters are densely packed.

How do astronomers determine the age of a star cluster?

• By measuring the distance between stars.

• By analyzing the spectra of the most massive stars.

• By counting the number of stars in the cluster.

• By observing the color of the stars.

What is a unique feature of the Pleiades cluster?

• It contains only red stars.

• It is embedded in a dust cloud that glows blue.

• It is the oldest known cluster.

• It is located in the Andromeda galaxy.

Why are globular clusters considered important for astrophysical studies?

• They are located outside the Milky Way.

• They contain a wide variety of star types.

• They are the youngest star clusters.

• They are all the same age and distance from Earth.

What is a 'blue straggler' in a globular cluster?

• A young star that formed recently.

• A star that has merged from two older stars.

• A star that is about to explode.

• A star that is moving away from the cluster.

What makes the view from inside a globular cluster potentially unique?

• The presence of many planets.

• The cluster would be invisible from inside.

• The stars would all appear red.

• The sky would be filled with very bright stars.

Why is it unlikely for planets like Earth to form in globular clusters?

• The stars are too young.

• There is a lack of heavy elements.

• The stars are too far apart.

• The clusters are too small.

What is a key characteristic of globular clusters compared to open clusters?

• They are younger.

• They have more heavy elements.

• They contain more blue stars.

• They are more spherical and densely packed.

What happens to open clusters over time?

• They merge with globular clusters.

• They form new stars continuously.

• They evaporate and their stars disperse.

• They become more densely packed.

What is the significance of heavy elements in star clusters?

• They determine the cluster's age.

• They are necessary for planet formation.

• They make stars appear blue.

• They are found only in open clusters.