Extra Credit Project #4
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Prince George's Community College, Largo *
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Course
1010
Subject
Astronomy
Date
Apr 3, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
3
Uploaded by BrigadierBook22486
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Kellen Jefferson
11/26/2023
Dr. Hunt
PSC-1010-LD02 Stars: Formation, Classification, and Constellations
Stars are fascinating celestial objects that have long captivated humanity. They form from
clouds of gas and dust, evolve through various stages, and are classified based on their characteristics. Moreover, stars are frequently organized into constellations, forming patterns that
have guided explorers and inspired countless myths and legends. The purpose of this mini research paper is to provide a brief overview of star formation, classification, and constellations.
Stars form from vast clouds of gas and dust known as nebulae. When a region within a nebula becomes dense enough to collapse under its own gravity, the process of star formation begins. The cloud heats up as it contracts, forming a protostar, a hot and dense core surrounded by a rotating disk of gas and dust. The protostar gains mass over time, and nuclear fusion ignites in its core, signaling the birth of a star.
Stars are classified based on a variety of factors such as temperature, luminosity, and size. The most common classification system is spectral classification, which divides stars into seven categories: O, B, A, F, G, K, and M. The surface temperature of the star is used to classify it, with O-type stars being the hottest and M-type stars being the coolest.
The Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram, which plots star luminosity against temperature, is another important classification system. The HR diagram aids astronomers in understanding the various stages of stellar evolution as well as the relationships between stars. It also shows the
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main sequence, which contains the majority of stars, as well as other regions containing giants, supergiants, and white dwarfs.
Constellations are patterns in the night sky formed by stars that have been recognized and
named by various cultures throughout history. These patterns have served as navigation, timekeeping, and storytelling guides. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) now recognizes 88 official constellations.
It is important to note, however, that constellations are not physically related to one another. A constellation's stars may be at vastly different distances from Earth and have no actual
connection other than their apparent configuration from our perspective. Constellations provide astronomers with a useful framework for locating and studying celestial objects.
Stars form from clouds of gas and dust, evolve through various stages, and are classified based on their temperature, luminosity, and size. Astronomers use classification systems like spectral classification and HR diagrams to better understand the properties and life cycles of stars. Constellations, on the other hand, are star-shaped patterns that provide a navigational and cultural framework for humans to explore and enjoy the night sky. The study of stars, including their formation, classification, and constellations, is a fascinating and ongoing field of study in astronomy.
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Works Cited
Choi, Charles Q. “Star Facts: The Basics of Star Names and Stellar Evolution.” Space.com, Space.com, 20 July 2017, www.space.com/57-stars-formation-classification-and-
constellations.html. Accessed 26 Nov. 2023.
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