Star Systems and Galaxies Flashcards

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which phrase best defines a galaxy?

  • Loose, disorganized star cluster held together by gravity
  • Tightly packed group of older stars
  • Large grouping of more than two stars
  • Large collection of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity (correct)

Which term refers to large groupings of stars?

  • Galaxies (correct)
  • Nebulas
  • Star clusters
  • Binary stars

What phrase best defines a star system?

  • A group of stars that formed around the same time
  • A group of two or more stars (correct)
  • A group of hundreds of stars
  • A group of two stars in which one star is brighter than the other

Which type of star cluster forms from tightly packed groups of older stars?

<p>Globular (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristics describe a spiral galaxy? Check all that apply.

<p>Is shaped like a pinwheel (B), Contains a lot of gas and dust (D), Has sites of active star formation within its arms (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sentences describe star clusters? Check all that apply.

<p>Stars form from the same nebula. (B), Stars form large groupings. (D), Stars are about the same distance from Earth. (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statements accurately describe binary star systems? Check all that apply.

<p>Have stars that might appear to wobble (B), Often have one star that is brighter than the other (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is used to classify galaxies?

<p>Shape (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Look at this image of a galaxy. Which type of galaxy is shown?

<p>Elliptical (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Two types of spiral galaxies exist. A normal spiral galaxy is one kind. Which phrase best describes the second type of spiral galaxy?

<p>Has a bar through the middle from which arms extend (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Galaxy

Large collection of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity.

Galaxies

Large groupings of stars in the universe.

Star System

A group of two or more stars that are gravitationally bound.

Globular Cluster

A type of star cluster that consists of tightly packed older stars.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Spiral Galaxy

A galaxy shaped like a pinwheel that has arms radiating outward.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Star Clusters

Groups of stars that have formed from the same nebula.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Binary Star Systems

Star systems where two stars are close enough to appear to wobble due to gravity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Galaxy Classification

The method of categorizing galaxies based on their shape.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Elliptical Galaxy

A type of galaxy that has an oval shape and lacks distinct features.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Barred Spiral Galaxy

A type of spiral galaxy that has a bar structure with arms extending from it.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Galaxies

  • A galaxy is defined as a large collection of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity.
  • Galaxies can vary in shape and structure, with some examples being spiral galaxies and elliptical galaxies.

Star Systems

  • A star system consists of a group of two or more stars that are gravitationally bound.
  • Binary star systems, a specific type of star system, contains two stars that may have differing brightness levels.

Star Clusters

  • Star clusters are grouped collections of stars that can form in large quantities from the same nebula.
  • There are two types of star clusters: globular, which are tightly packed older star groups, and open clusters, which are more loosely organized.

Spiral Galaxies

  • Characteristics of spiral galaxies include a pinwheel shape, active star formation in their arms, and a significant amount of gas and dust.
  • They are generally larger and can contain both new and older stars.

Classification of Galaxies

  • Galaxies are classified based on their shape. Color, age, and size also serve as classification parameters but shape is the primary characteristic used.
  • Examples include normal spiral galaxies and barred spiral galaxies, the latter having a distinct bar-shaped structure from which arms extend.

Binary Star Systems

  • In binary star systems, stars might appear to wobble due to gravitational interactions, but they are not limited to two stars; multiple stars can exist within a complex system.

Characteristics of Star Clusters

  • In star clusters, stars can be various distances from Earth, and while they generally form from the same nebula, the grouping can include stars formed at different times.

Notable Galaxy Types

  • Elliptical galaxies have a smooth and featureless shape, distinguishing them from the more structured spiral galaxies.
  • Irregular galaxies lack a distinct shape and can vary widely in appearance.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

More Like This

Structures of the Universe: Star Systems Quiz
34 questions
Galaxies and Stellar Formation Quiz
24 questions

Galaxies and Stellar Formation Quiz

WellRegardedIntelligence5848 avatar
WellRegardedIntelligence5848
Astrophysics: Star Systems and Galaxies
46 questions

Astrophysics: Star Systems and Galaxies

WellRegardedIntelligence5848 avatar
WellRegardedIntelligence5848
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser