Astonomy 10

What is the primary function of a refracting telescope?

To focus light using lenses.

What distinguishes reflecting telescopes from refracting telescopes?

Reflecting telescopes use mirrors to focus light.

What type of telescope is designed to collect and focus radio waves?

Radio telescope.

Why do infrared and ultraviolet telescopes need to be placed above the atmosphere?

To observe all infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths effectively.

What are the best observing sites for telescopes?

Remote mountains with calm and dry conditions.

What is resolution in the context of telescopes?

The amount of detail contained in the picture.

How does interferometry leverage multiple telescopes?

It uses an array of telescopes to function as a single large telescope.

What is adaptive optics used for in telescopes?

To change the shape of the telescope to compensate for atmospheric distortion.

What is the core of the Sun's temperature?

Approximately 10 million Kelvin (10^7 K).

What type of nuclear energy occurs when atoms are fused together?

Fusion.

What is the surface layer of the Sun called?

Photosphere.

What layer of the Sun is hotter than the photosphere and is not visible to the naked eye?

Chromosphere.

What is the outermost layer of the solar atmosphere known as?

Corona.

What is the convection zone in the Sun's interior?

A region where energy is transported upwards by rising hot gas.

What fundamental nuclear reaction powers the Sun?

Proton-proton reaction (hydrogen fusion).

How are gamma rays produced in the Sun?

Through the process of nuclear fusion when hydrogen is fused into helium.

What is the solar neutrino problem?

The initial failure to detect the predicted number of solar neutrinos.

How is luminosity defined in relation to stars?

The actual brightness of a star, which is independent of distance.

What do we call the apparent brightness of a star as viewed from Earth?

Apparent brightness.

What measurement method involves observing eclipses in binary star systems to determine star masses?

Eclipse method.

What effect does interstellar reddening have on the appearance of stars?

Stars viewed through dust clouds appear redder due to blue light being scattered.

What planet detection method involves looking for shadows cast by transiting planets?

Transit method.

What is the Doppler method used for in astronomy?

To detect planets by observing the wobble of stars due to gravitational pull from orbiting planets.

What is microlensing in the context of gravitational lensing?

The effect where gravity bends light from background stars, potentially revealing the presence of planets.

What are 'Suv' and 'Economy' stars?

'Suv' stars refer to high-luminosity stars that often have high mass and a short lifespan, while 'Economy' stars refer to more stable, lower-mass stars that have longer lifespans.

What does resolution mean in the context of telescopes?

Resolution refers to the amount of detail contained in the picture, or how well two closely spaced objects can be distinguished.

How can you improve the resolution of telescopes?

Resolution can be improved by using larger telescopes, adaptive optics, or interferometry techniques.

What are indirect methods to detect a planet from a far away star without using pictures?

Indirect methods include the Doppler method (observing star wobble), transit method (monitoring dips in brightness), and microlensing (gravity bending light from distant stars).

What two wavelengths can pass through the atmosphere effectively?

Radio waves and visible light.

What is interferometry in the context of telescopes?

Interferometry is a technique that uses multiple telescopes working together to function as a single large telescope, improving resolution and detail in observations.