Download Astronomy Solar System Formation Sun and Stellar Evolution

Astronomy Solar System Formation, Sun and Stellar Evolution Review
1. Describe the formation of the solar system.
2. List some of the components of the solar system.
3. Astronomers estimate the age of the solar system to be how old? How is the age
determined?
4. Be familiar with the Sun’s vital statistics
a. Temperatures
b. Rotation periods
c. Composition
d. Age
e. Energy Source
5. List and label the six major layers of the Sun.
a. Be able to draw a cross-section of the Sun.
6. Identify major characteristics of each layer and what processes are taking place in
each layer.
7. Describe how temperature changes as you move from the core to the corona.
8. Identify and explain characteristics of an active Sun
a. Granulation
b. Sunspots
c. Filaments
d. Prominences
e. Flares
f. Coronal Holes and coronal mass ejections
g. Limb darkening
9. Be prepared to visually identify these layers.
10. What affects do these above characteristics have on the Earth (if any)?
11. How is the Sun’s magnetic field related to the above characteristics?
12. The Sun’s Interior
a. What is the source of energy production? Have a rough idea how this
process occurs
13. Why are astronomers interested in the neutrino?
14. Explain why the Sun doesn’t collapse due to its own gravity?
15. What are some of the dangers experienced when observing the Sun? How can we
avoid those dangers?
Stellar Evolution
1. How is color and spectrum used to help us understand stars?
2. Describe the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. Draw and label a diagram.
3. What are main sequence stars?
4. Describe how all stars begin their life cycles.
5. What fuel source is used to power stars? What happens when that first fuel
source is used?
6. Describe how small and large stars move through their life cycles and die.
7. What is the final element that can be burned in the core of a small star? Large?
8. What are the stellar remnants left after a star dies? Describe them.