Stars and Constellations

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding stars and their characteristics, formation, and classification.

What is a star?

A star is a cosmic energy generator that produces heat, light, and other forms of radiation, composed mainly of gas and plasma.

How are stars formed?

Stars are formed in large clouds of gas and dust called nebulae, where gravity causes atoms to collide and form a protostar.

What are the characteristics of stars?

Stars are self-bound by gravity and radiate energy.

What does the brightness of a star depend on?

The brightness depends on the star's distance from Earth and its luminosity.

What are the spectral classes of stars based on temperature?

Stars are classified as follows: Blue (hottest), Blue-white, White, Yellow-white, Yellow, Orange, and Red (coolest).

What is the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram?

An H-R diagram plots stars according to their luminosity and temperature.

What is the significance of the Sun in relation to stars?

The Sun is a star that is the nearest to Earth and the center of the solar system.

What are the different sizes of stars?

Stars can be classified as Large (Giants or Super Giants), Medium (Main Sequence), and Small (White Dwarfs or Neutrons).