Astrophysical Concepts PH222
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Questions and Answers

Who started the catalog of 'fuzzy objects' which helped distinguish them from comets?

  • Henrietta Swan Leavitt
  • John Herschel
  • William Parsons
  • Charles Messier (correct)
  • The Andromeda Galaxy is referred to as M31.

    True

    What type of variable stars are Cepheids?

    Radial pulsating stars

    Henrietta Swan Leavitt discovered the Period-______ Law.

    <p>Luminosity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following entities with their descriptions:

    <p>M51 = Sketch made by William Parsons HST = Hubble Space Telescope Cepheid Variables = Standard candles for measuring distances Galactic Halos = Outer regions of galaxies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary function of the telescope known as the Leviathan of Parsonstown?

    <p>To resolve fine structures of nebulae</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cepheid variables have periods that range from 1 to 100 hours.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant discovery did Henrietta Swan Leavitt make?

    <p>A direct link between the luminosity and the period of Cepheid variables.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic feature of globular clusters?

    <p>They have a regular, spherical shape due to gravitational attraction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Globular clusters typically last only a few hundred thousand years.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Edwin Hubble use to demonstrate the presence of Cepheid variables in spiral nebulae?

    <p>Hooker telescope</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The distance to the spiral nebulae was determined using Leavitt's Law and the presence of __________.

    <p>Cepheid variables</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following concepts with their descriptions:

    <p>Hubble's Law = Relationship between the recessional velocity of galaxies and their distance Globular Clusters = Stable clusters of tens of thousands to millions of stars Cepheid Variables = Stars used to measure astronomical distances Gravitational Attraction = Force that shapes globular clusters into spheres</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During the Great Debate, what were the two positions regarding spiral nebulae?

    <p>They are independent galaxies vs. they are small nebulae in the Milky Way halo.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Galaxies evolved without any common origin or evolutionary ideas.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Hubble identify by studying the Doppler shift in galaxies?

    <p>A correlation between velocity and distance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Astrophysical Concepts

    • PH222 is an astrophysical concepts course taught by Aaron Golden at the University of Galway.
    • The course covers topics such as gravity, galaxies, and their evolution.

    Gravity IV

    • This section of the course is focused on gravity.

    Stars and Giant Planets

    • This topic discusses stars (and giant planets).

    Expanding Horizons

    • The presenter suggests expanding the current understanding beyond previously explored topics.

    Andromeda Galaxy (M31)

    • A spiral galaxy.
    • Information about M31 as an astrophysical object.

    Galaxies Before 1845

    • Charles Messier, a key figure in astronomy, compiled a catalog of diffuse astronomical objects.
    • This catalog helped astronomers distinguish between fuzzy and point source objects.

    Modern Telescopes

    • The course discusses advanced telescopes, like the HST and JWST, and their impact on astronomical discoveries.
    • Details regarding the size of early telescopes, like the Leviathan of Parsonstown, and William Parson’s measurements.

    M51

    • M51 is an important target for astronomical observations.
    • Details on William Parsons' observations and analysis.
    • The resolution of the telescope and its optics are significant developments.

    Galactic Anatomy

    • The Milky Way is classified as a spiral galaxy.
    • Composed of parts like the nuclear bulge, disk, and halo.
    • Dimensions are discussed in kiloparsecs (kpc).
    • Contains stars and a supermassive black hole.

    Galactic Halos

    • Discussion of globular clusters.
    • Globular clusters are composed of stars and have an age greater than billions of years.
    • They possess a spherical and regular shape, tightly bound.

    Galaxy Types

    • Spiral galaxies (roughly 30%): Examples include the Milky Way and Andromeda, often with a central bar structure.
    • Elliptical (about 50%): M87 is a prominent example. Characterized by a lack of gas, dust, and the ability to form new stars.
    • Irregular (around 20%): Lack structural regularity.

    Interlude 3

    • The universe contains many galaxies.
    • Ideas about the evolution of galaxies are touched upon.

    Hubble's Law

    • A relationship exists between the distance and the rate of recession of remote galaxies.
    • The Hubble constant has a value of (67.80 ± 0.77) km s−1 Mpc−1.

    Quasars

    • Quasars (3C 273) are subjects of study.
    • Calculations for distance (in Mpc) and redshift (z) are included.
    • These calculations apply to the specific case of the quasar 3C 273.

    Wrap Up

    • The history of the universe and its astronomical observations are mentioned.

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    Description

    Explore the fascinating world of astrophysics in the PH222 course at the University of Galway. Covering topics like gravity, galaxies, and the evolution of stars and giant planets, this quiz tests your knowledge on significant astronomical concepts. Delve into the history of galaxies, modern telescopes, and groundbreaking discoveries in the field.

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