science words

science words

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Answer

Absolute Brightness

The actual brightness of a star, not dependent on its distance from the viewer.

Apparent Brightness

The brightness of a star as it appears in Earth's sky.

Big Bang Theory

The most commonly accepted scientific theory of how the universe formed; states that the universe expanded from a hot, dense initial condition around 13.5 billion years ago.

Black Hole

A space object with surface gravity great enough that not even light waves can escape it.

Doppler Affect

The effect produced by the lengthening or compressing of wavelengths of electromagnetic or sound waves caused by movement of the source or receiver.

Elliptical Galaxy

A galaxy that has a shape close to an ellipse.

Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram

A graph in which the absolute magnitudes (intrinsic brightness) of stars are plotted against their spectral types (temperatures).

Spiral Galaxy

A galaxy in which the stars are arranged in a spiral pattern.

Stellar Nebula

A giant cloud of dust and gas in space.

Supernova

When a large star collapses and explodes, releasing a large amount of light and energy.

White Dwarf

A relatively small, dense star at the end of its life cycle, which generates little or no energy and has contracted to its densest state.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The full range of frequencies of electromagnetic waves.