Final Module 7 Exam Questions (30 Terms) With Verified Definitions Updated 2024

What is the baseline that astronomers use to measure the parallax (the distance) of the nearest stars? {Ans: ½ the diameter of the Earth's orbit around the Sun}A _____ is a graph that displays the time variation of the light from a variable or eclipsing binary star or, more generally, from any other object whose radiation output changes with time {Ans: light curve}Astronomers must often know the distance to a star before they can fully understand its characteristics. Which of the following properties of a star typically requires a knowledge of distance before it can be determined? {Ans: its luminosity}_____ are atomic nuclei (mostly protons) and electrons that are observed to strike Earth's atmosphere with exceedingly high energies {Ans: cosmic rays}A star whose temperature is increasing but whose luminosity is roughly constant moves in what direction on the H-R diagram? {Ans: to the left}A _____ is a cloud of interstellar gas or dust; the term is most often used for clouds that are seen to glow with visible light or infrared {Ans: nebula}The _____ is the region of ionized hydrogen in interstellar space {Ans: H II region}When a star settles down to a