Astronomy 2

Fusion

Combining hydrogen and helium in the sun's core-- releases energy

Core

Where fusion happens in the Sun

Radiation Zone

Where energy moves outward as light (part of the sun)

Convection Zone

Where hot gas rises, cools, sinks (part of the sun)

Photosphere

the sun's visible surface ("sphere of light")

Chromosphere

Outer atmosphere of the Sun

Corona

Outer atmosphere of the Sun (corona = crown)

Radiation

Photons carrying energy from the core toward the surface

Sunspots

Dark and cooler patches on the photosphere

Solar Flares

Sudden bursts of light and particles

Prominences

Glowing loops of gas held by magnetic fields

Solar Wind

Constant flow of charged particles into space

Mass

Measure of material in a star; more mass = higher pressure (faster fusion)

Nucleosynthesis

The building of new elements inside stars or during their deaths

Red Giant

Late stage in a star's life, when it is swollen and cooler, having used up its core oxygen

White Dwarf

Remnants of a low-mass star after it sheds its outer layers, dense

Brown Dwarf

An object intermediate in size between a planet and a star; capable of deuterium fusion, but not hydrogen fusion

Failed Star

Cannot sustain hydrogen fusion (too small)

Main-Sequence

Stable hydrogen-burning phase of a star's life

Supergiant

Massive star fusing heavier elements in layers around its core

Planetary Nebula

Gas shell expelled by a dying star

Nova

Brief brightening of a white dwarf

Supernova

Catastrophic explosion of a massive star

Neutron Star

Tiny, ultra dense core left after a supernova, mostly made of neutrons

Black Hole

A core so compact that its gravity prevents light from escaping