Post on 13-Dec-2015
Astronomical Objects
Dr. Aaron B. ClevensonLead Astronomer
Insperity Observatory in Humble ISDJune 10, 2013
Astronomical Objects
Inside our Solar System– The Sun– Planets– Dwarf Planets– Moons– Asteroids– Comets– Meteoroids
Outside our Solar System– Stars– Exoplanets– Globular Star Clusters– Open Star Clusters– Planetary Nebulae– Bright & Dark Nebulae– Galaxies
The Sun and Stars
• The Sun is a Star.• Types of Stars:– O B A F G K M– Big - - - to - - - Small– Hot - - - to - - - Cool– Blue - - - to - - Red
• Neutron Stars• Black Holes
Types of Stars
• Colors & Temperatures
• Sizes
• Protostars
• Main Sequence Stars
• End of Life Giant Stars
Star’s Lives
Planets & Dwarf Planets
Planets – Things to Think About– Size
Gravity How Much You Weight
– Atmosphere What’s In It? Can You Breathe It? Protection?
Planets & Dwarf Planets
Planets – Things to Think About– Magnetic Field
Protection?– Distance From Star
Closer - Hotter More Distant –
Cooler– Water?
What Makes A Dwarf Planets
Planet Requirements– Orbits the Sun– Round– Controls Debris in its orbit
Dwarf Planet Requirements– Orbits the Sun– Round
Asteroids
Where Are They?– Asteroid Belt– Trojan Asteroids– Visiting Asteroids
What Are They?– Smaller than Planets– Odd Shapes– Made of Rock or Metal
Comets
Where Are They?– Kuiper Belt– Oort Cloud– Visiting Asteroids
What Are They?– Smaller than Planets– Big Snowballs– Made of Ice & Dirt
Visiting Comets
Parts of a Comet– Nucleus– Coma– Dust Tail– Ion Tail
Comet Hale-Bopp - 1997
Questions
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