Star Formation Flashcards
(13 cards)
What are nebulae?
Nebulae are clouds of gas and dust in space.
Where are stars formed?
Stars are formed in nebulae.
What is the significance of nebulae in astronomy?
Nebulae are often referred to as ‘stellar nurseries’ because they are regions where stars are born.
What is an example of a nebula where stars are forming?
The Pillars of Creation, located within the Eagle Nebula.
What do the dark areas in the Pillars of Creation represent?
Dark areas represent proto-stars or stars about to form.
From what did our Sun and solar system originate?
Our Sun and solar system originated from a nebula.
What role does gravity play in star formation?
Gravity pulls gas and dust together in a nebula.
What happens to material as it condenses in a nebula?
The pressure increases and the temperature rises.
When does nuclear fusion begin in star formation?
Nuclear fusion begins when the temperature becomes high enough.
What does a gas ball become after nuclear fusion begins?
The gas ball becomes a star.
What key idea is associated with how stars are born?
Stars are born when gravity compresses material until nuclear fusion occurs in the core.
Fill in the blank: Nebulae play a crucial role in the _______.
cycle of star formation.
In which nebula is our Sun likely to have formed?
Our Sun likely formed in a nebula similar to the Orion Nebula.
