Transcript Characteristics of Stars

Characteristics of Stars
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6.
AVERAGE
STAR
2.
4.
1.
7.
MASSIVE
STAR
3.
5.
9.
8.
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AVERAGE
STAR
2. Red Giant
4. Planetary
Nebula
6.
White
Dwarf
8.
Black
Dwarf
1. Nebula
7. Neutron
Star
MASSIVE
STAR
3. Red
Supergiant
5. Supernova
9. Black
Hole
Define a star:
• A ball of plasma
held together by
its own gravity
• Heat and light
planets in a
system (like our
Sun)
Define nuclear fusion:
• Process of splitting a
large atom into 2 or
more atoms
• When atom splits,
energy is released
• Stars turn hydrogen into
helium
Define main sequence stars:
• Major grouping of stars
• Form a narrow band
from the upper left to
the lower right when
plotted according to
luminosity and surface
temperature on the
Hertzprung-Russell
Diagram
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enough space for notes in square
Distance
Characteristics
of Stars
Temperature
& Color
Magnitude
Star Classification: Distance
• Distance which a ray of light would
travel in one year
• Measured in light years (186,000
miles per second)
Star Classification: Magnitude
• Measurement of brightness
• Two Types:
– Apparent Magnitude:
• How bright stars APPEAR to be from Earth
– Absolute Magnitude:
• Luminosity
• How bright a star actually is
Star Classification:
Temperature & Color
• Blue Star = Hot
• Red Star = Cold
• As temperature decreases,
brightness decreases as well
• O,B,A, F,G,K, M [Oh Be a Fine Girl,
Kiss Me]
Star Classification Chart
HOT
Bright
Decreasing
Temp.
COLD
Dim