Astronomical Objects Dr. Aaron B. Clevenson Lead Astronomer Insperity Observatory in Humble ISD June 10, 2013

Astronomical Objects Inside our Solar System – The Sun – Planets – Dwarf Planets – Moons – Asteroids – Comets – Meteoroids Outside our Solar System – Stars – Exoplanets – Globular Star Clusters – Open Star Clusters – Planetary Nebulae – Bright & Dark Nebulae – Galaxies

The Sun and Stars The Sun is a Star. Types of Stars: – O B A F G K M – Big to Small – Hot to Cool – Blue to - - Red Neutron Stars Black Holes

Types of Stars Colors & Temperatures Sizes

Protostars Main Sequence Stars End of Life Giant Stars Star’s Lives

Planets & Dwarf Planets Planets – Things to Think About – Size  Gravity  How Much You Weight – Atmosphere  What’s In It?  Can You Breathe It?  Protection?

Planets & Dwarf Planets Planets – Things to Think About – Magnetic Field  Protection? – Distance From Star  Closer - Hotter  More Distant – Cooler – Water?

What Makes A Dwarf Planets Planet Requirements – Orbits the Sun – Round – Controls Debris in its orbit Dwarf Planet Requirements – Orbits the Sun – Round

Asteroids Where Are They? – Asteroid Belt – Trojan Asteroids – Visiting Asteroids What Are They? – Smaller than Planets – Odd Shapes – Made of Rock or Metal

Comets Where Are They? – Kuiper Belt – Oort Cloud – Visiting Asteroids What Are They? – Smaller than Planets – Big Snowballs – Made of Ice & Dirt

Visiting Comets Parts of a Comet – Nucleus – Coma – Dust Tail – Ion Tail Comet Hale-Bopp

Questions ?