Galaxies and Cosmology Flashcards
1
Q
Nebula / Nebulae
A
cloud
2
Q
The shape of the milkyway
A
The Milky Way is a barred spiral galaxy, which means it has a distinct bar-shaped structure in its center, with spiral arms extending outward from the ends of the bar. The overall shape of the Milky Way can be described as a flat disk with a central bulge and spiral arms.
3
Q
Cepheid variables
A
type of variable star that pulsates in a regular and predictable manner. These stars are essential tools for astronomers in determining distances to faraway objects in the universe, and they play a significant role in what is known as the “distance ladder.”
4
Q
distance ladder
A
s a method astronomers use to measure distances to objects at increasing distances from Earth
