Space Exploration and Astronomy
Public flashcard deck about Space Exploration and Astronomy. 8 cards.
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What is the primary difference between astronomy and astrophysics?
Astronomy is the broad study of celestial objects and phenomena, while astrophysics specifically applies the principles of physics to understand these objects and phenomena.
Explain the concept of a light-year and its significance in astronomy.
A light-year is the distance light travels in one Earth year (approximately 9.46 trillion kilometers or 5.88 trillion miles). It's used to measure vast distances between celestial objects.
What is the main purpose of the Hubble Space Telescope?
The Hubble Space Telescope's main purpose is to observe the universe in visible, ultraviolet, and near-infrared light, providing crucial data for astronomical research and stunning images of space.
Describe the 'Big Bang Theory' in simple terms.
The Big Bang Theory is the prevailing cosmological model for the universe's origin, suggesting that the universe began as an extremely hot, dense point that expanded and cooled over billions of years to form the structures we see today.
What is a 'supernova' and what causes it?
A supernova is a powerful and luminous stellar explosion. It occurs when a star exhausts its nuclear fuel, leading to a catastrophic collapse and subsequent explosion, or when a white dwarf star accumulates too much mass.
What is the difference between a planet and a dwarf planet?
A planet orbits the Sun, is massive enough for its gravity to make it round, and has 'cleared the neighborhood' around its orbit. A dwarf planet meets the first two criteria but has not cleared its orbital path.