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School
Harvard University *
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Course
6683
Subject
Astronomy
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by MateFangScorpion33
Question 1:
a) Define astronomy and discuss its significance in scientific exploration.
Answer:
Astronomy is the scientific study of celestial objects, such as stars, planets, galaxies, and the
universe as a whole. Its significance lies in understanding the origins, evolution, and structure of
the universe, contributing to our comprehension of fundamental laws of physics and our place in
the cosmos.
b) Differentiate between stars and planets, providing examples of each.
Answer:
Stars: Luminous celestial bodies that produce light and heat through nuclear fusion. Examples
include the Sun, Sirius, and Alpha Centauri.
Planets: Celestial bodies that orbit stars, are spherical due to gravity, and do not produce their
own light. Examples include Earth, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn.
Question 2:
a) Explain the life cycle of stars, including their various stages.
Answer:
Stars go through stages based on their mass: from nebulae to protostars, then into main
sequence stars. Depending on their mass, they may evolve into red giants, supernovae, neutron
stars, or black holes, before eventually cooling as white dwarfs or remnants.
b) Discuss the concept of black holes and their formation.
Answer:
Black holes are regions in space where gravity is so intense that not even light can escape. They
form from the gravitational collapse of massive stars after a supernova or from the merger of
massive objects, compressing mass into an extremely dense singularity.
Question 3:
a) Describe the differences between solar and lunar eclipses.
Answer:
Solar Eclipse: Occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun's
light from reaching Earth.
Lunar Eclipse: Occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow
on the Moon.
b) Explain the Big Bang Theory and its significance in cosmology.
Answer:
The Big Bang Theory suggests that the universe originated from a singular extremely hot and
dense point about 13.8 billion years ago, followed by rapid expansion. This theory provides a
framework for understanding the universe's expansion, formation of galaxies, and the cosmic
microwave background radiation, supporting our understanding of the universe's evolution.
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