Astronomy Final Exam: Chapters 11 & 12 Flashcards
What triggers the collapse in star formation?
Atoms of light elements are squeezed under enough pressure (compressing gravity) for their nuclei to undergo fusion
What is the temperature during a collapse?
Very hot so nuclear fusion can take place
What is a star?
An astronomical object comprising a luminous spheroid of plasma held together by self-gravity
What is hydrogen fusion?
Two H-atoms combine together to form a helium atom
What is a helium flash?
Created by the triple alpha process (300 million degrees into carbon) where thermal runways of large quantities of helium made into carbon
What are stellar clusters?
Clusters of stars
Why do we study stellar clusters?
To find out more about stellar evolution
What is the ages of the two of stellar cluster types?
Open clusters (young = only a few million years) and globular clusters (12-13 billion years)
What are the two types of clusters?
Open & globular
When will the Sun turn into a red giant?
6 billion years
