Space Superlatives of 2022

The video explores significant cosmic discoveries made in 2022, including the oldest known planetary nebula in the open cluster M37, a white dwarf with the fastest orbital period, and the most distant star ever detected, Arendelle. These findings provide insights into the life cycles of stars and the universe's history. The video emphasizes the importance of these discoveries in advancing our understanding of the cosmos and highlights the potential for future breakthroughs.

What is a planetary nebula?

• A cluster of stars

• A big bubble of gas from a dying star

• A black hole

• A type of planet

What makes the oldest known planetary nebula special?

• It is the largest nebula

• It is located in a galaxy far away

• It is the brightest nebula

• It is one of the few found in an open cluster

What is unique about the white dwarf and its stellar partner's orbit?

• They orbit each other every 51 minutes

• They are the largest stars known

• They are located in the Andromeda Galaxy

• They are the oldest stars known

What is a cataclysmic variable?

• A type of supernova

• A binary system where a white dwarf steals hydrogen

• A star that is about to explode

• A black hole consuming a star

How was Arendelle, the most distant star, detected?

• By measuring its radio waves

• Through its gravitational waves

• Through direct observation with a telescope

• Using gravitational lensing

What is the significance of Arendelle's discovery?

• It is the largest star ever detected

• It provides insights into the early universe

• It is the oldest star ever found

• It is the closest star to Earth

What is gravitational lensing?

• A technique to detect black holes

• A way to calculate star distance

• A phenomenon where light is bent by massive objects

• A method to measure star temperature