ASTRON 1141 Study Guide - Quiz Guide: Gq

• School: Ohio State University
• Department: Astronomy
• Course: ASTRON 1141
• Professor: All

Document Summary

Main spectral types: o b a f g k m l. The primary source of energy in stars in nuclear fusion. Main sequence stars generate energy via hydrogen fusion into helium. Intermediate mass stars with 4 < m < 8 msun. Burns through a succession of nuclear fusion fuels up through iron. Catastrophic collapse of the iron core causes a supernova explosion. Remnant core becomes either a neutron star or a black hole. Heavy elements beyond iron are created in the supernova explosion. Explosion debris seeds interstellar space with heavy elements. Likely place to look for life is on rocky planets in the habitable zones of low mass stars. Basic requirements for life in a planetary context. Hzs get wider and farther from the star as its luminosity increases. Tidal locking important for red dwarfs where hz is close to the star. Local space is very empty and stars are very far apart.