1. Scientific Method Vocabulary
Observation-the act of using the five senses to gather information.
Quantitative- analyzing an object using an exact measurement (number).
Qualitative- description or distinguishing characteristic about an object

3. Inference/hypothesis- a possible explanation or solution to a problem based on observations.
Theory – a well-tested and widely accepted view that explains certain observable facts.

5. Observation-the act of using the five senses to gather information.
Vocabulary
Observation-the act of using the five senses to gather information.
Inference- a possible explanation or solution to a problem based on observations.

6. Spectrum – band of various colors of light.

7. Most of what is known about stars comes from spectral studies.
There are 3 kinds of visible spectra:
Continuous, bright-line and dark-line.

8. Continuous – unbroken band of colors from a source sending out all visible wavelengths.
Continuous spectra can come from a (hot) glowing solid, a glowing liquid or a glowing gas (star).

9. Bright-line spectrum – also called an emission spectrum, is a series of unevenly spaced lines of different colors and brightness.
Every element has its own unique bright-line spectrum, like a fingerprint.
Helium emission spectrum
Hydrogen emission spectrum

14. Wavelength – the distance between wavecrests (the top of each wave).
Frequency – the number of wavelengths in a given distance.

16. Big Bang- theory that all matter and energy in the universe was compressed into an extremely small volume that suddenly began expanding in all directions billions of years ago.
Big Bang Briefly

17. Doppler Effect – apparent shift in the wavelength of energy (sound or light) when emitted by a source moving away from or toward an observer.
Stationary
Moving Away
Moving Toward

20. Lab 3A - Vocabulary
H-R diagram (Hertzsprung-Russell); graph showing the temperature and absolute magnitude of a star.
Luminosity – the brightness of a star compared to the brightness of the Sun as seen from the same distance.

21. Absolute & Apparent Magnitude
Absolute - the magnitude of a star computed as if viewed from a distance of 32.6 light-years.
Apparent – a star’s brightness as it appears from Earth. The sun APPEARS brighter than the other stars because it is closer to us!

22. H-R Diagram
A chart that shows the relationship between the luminosity and temperature of stars.

23. Characteristics of Stars
The temperature of a star is determined by it’s color. BLUE=HOT ; RED=COOL
The composition of stars is determined by looking at their emission spectrum.

25. http://sunshine. chpc. utah. edu/labs/star_life/support/HR_animated

27. Main Sequence- the 2nd and longest stage in the life cycle of a star.
Red Giant–a very large, cool, bright, red star.(3rd stage)
White Dwarf – small, hot, dim star.

28. The Life Cycle of Stars

29. THE SUN

30. The Sun Process that generates the sun’s energy:
Nuclear Fusion occurs in the Core of the sun. Fusion is the nuclei of hydrogen atoms fusing into helium. This process converts mass into energy.

31. Sunspots- cool, dark areas of gas within the photosphere that are caused by powerful magnetic fields.

32. Solar Flares- a sudden outward eruption of gases.
Prominences are huge arches of gas high above the sun’s surface.

38. Auroras (Northern Lights) – magnetic storms in the sky that produce spectacular bands of colored light.

39. Terrestrial Planets – “Earth-like” land/rock planets; 4 planets closest to the sun they are solid, smaller in size and more dense
NO LONGER CONSIDERED A PLANET

40. Jovian Planets - like “Jupiter”, 4 outer planets, made of mostly gases, large, and low density

41. Oblate Spheroid- a slightly flattened sphere
Roundness Ratio- Comparing the polar diameter of a sphere to the equatorial diameter to determine if the object is perfectly round.

42.  Zenith -the point on the celestial sphere vertically above a given position or observer