Science of Stars SCI/151
Science of Stars
SCI/151
Abstract
The information contained in this paper will explain the science of the stars. Other information in this paper will be a description of how astronomical instruments aid astronomers in determining the rotation rate of distant objects, speed, temperature, and composition. Also, the author will provide an explanation of the properties of stars in the Hertzsprung - Russell diagram. In conclusion, the complete lifecycle of the Sun will be explained, along with a determination of where the Sun is in its lifecycle.
Science of Stars
What is a star?
A star is defined as “a gaseous mass in space that generates energy by thermonuclear reactions”. Our sun is a star and its primary composition, as well as that of all the other stars, is helium and nitrogen gas, a stars core is hot and dense, within the core, the temperatures’ are extremely hot this is where atoms move so quickly that they will stick to other atoms when they collide with them, this forms larger atoms and releases a vast amount of energy. This is the process of nuclear fusion. Stars vary in size from being equal to the diameter of a planet, all the way to being larger than the diameter of the whole earth’s orbit. The histories of the stars in the galaxies are traced through the age, compensation, distribution, and the dynamics and evolution of that galaxy.
As fundamental building blocks of the universe, Stars play a vital role in the planetary systems that coalesce around them by manufacturing and distributing heavy elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen. The C-N-O families of elements are the raw materials for planet formation. “We have learned that the lightest chemical elements were synthesized in the Big Bang, but that the heavier elements were made in stars. When the more massive stars exploded as supernovae, they enriched the material out of which subsequent generations of stars would be made with an ever-increasing amount of these
SCI/151
Abstract
The information contained in this paper will explain the science of the stars. Other information in this paper will be a description of how astronomical instruments aid astronomers in determining the rotation rate of distant objects, speed, temperature, and composition. Also, the author will provide an explanation of the properties of stars in the Hertzsprung - Russell diagram. In conclusion, the complete lifecycle of the Sun will be explained, along with a determination of where the Sun is in its lifecycle.
Science of Stars
What is a star?
A star is defined as “a gaseous mass in space that generates energy by thermonuclear reactions”. Our sun is a star and its primary composition, as well as that of all the other stars, is helium and nitrogen gas, a stars core is hot and dense, within the core, the temperatures’ are extremely hot this is where atoms move so quickly that they will stick to other atoms when they collide with them, this forms larger atoms and releases a vast amount of energy. This is the process of nuclear fusion. Stars vary in size from being equal to the diameter of a planet, all the way to being larger than the diameter of the whole earth’s orbit. The histories of the stars in the galaxies are traced through the age, compensation, distribution, and the dynamics and evolution of that galaxy.
As fundamental building blocks of the universe, Stars play a vital role in the planetary systems that coalesce around them by manufacturing and distributing heavy elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen. The C-N-O families of elements are the raw materials for planet formation. “We have learned that the lightest chemical elements were synthesized in the Big Bang, but that the heavier elements were made in stars. When the more massive stars exploded as supernovae, they enriched the material out of which subsequent generations of stars would be made with an ever-increasing amount of these
References: Bennett, J., Donahue, M., Schneider, N., & Voit, M. (2010). The Cosmic Perspective (6th ed.). San Francisco, CA: Pearson Addison-Wesley. Retrieved, from: The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database. Col, J. (2010) Enchanted Learning. Retrieved,. From: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/stars/lifecycle/ Origins of Science road map, (2000). Retrieved From: origins@stsci.edu http://origins.jpl.nasa.gov/library/scienceplan/science01.html Kroswell, K., (2012). H-R Diagram. Retrieved, from: http://stardate.org/radio/program/h-r-diagram Kulesa, C., (1997). What is Spectroscopy?, from: http://loke.as.arizona.edu/~ckulesa/camp/spectroscopy_intro.html Villanueva, J. C. (2010). Life Cycle of the Sun. Retrieved, from http://www.universetoday.com/56522/life-cycle-of-the-sun/