E1 Introduction to the Universe
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The document provides an introduction to astrophysics concepts. It outlines the general structure of the solar system as having 8 planets orbiting the sun on orbital paths that are not circular. It distinguishes stellar clusters as groups of stars that are gravitationally bound and relatively close together, compared to constellations which are patterns of stars that can greatly vary in distance from Earth. It defines a light year as the distance light travels in one year and compares the distances between stars within our galaxy and between galaxies. The document describes the apparent motion of stars due to the rotation and revolution of the Earth.
E1 Introduction to the Universe
- 1. IB Physics Power Points Option E Astrophysics www.pedagogics.ca Lesson 1 Introduction to the Universe
- 2. E.1.1 Outline the general structure of the solar system 8 planets orbiting the Sun
- 4. Orbital path around the Sun is not circular.
- 7. E.1.2 Distinguish between a stellar cluster and a constellation Star clusters or star clouds are groups of stars. A globular cluster is a tight group of hund thousands of very old stars which are gravitationally bound. Stars in a cluster are relativel to each other. Omega Centauri is the most globular cluster in our Galax
- 8. E.1.2 Distinguish between a stellar cluster and a constellation Constellations are patterns formed by prominent stars in the night sky. Although they app close to each other, stars in constellations can vary greatly in their distance from Earth. Cassiopeia
- 9. E.1.3 Define the light year A unit of distance equivalent to how far light travels through space in one year Our Sun is part of a large collection of stars called a galaxy (ours is called the Milky Way and consists of over 100 billion stars). Get used to vast distances!
- 10. E.1.4 Compare the relative distances between the stars within a galaxy and between galaxies in terms of order of magnitude. Nearest star to our Sun – Proxima Centauri 4.2 ly away. There are only 8 stars within 101 ly Diameter of Milky Way galaxy is 105 ly
- 11. Andromeda is our nearest neighbor galaxy – about 2.9 x 106 ly from the Milky Way
- 12. E.1.5 Describe the apparent motion of the stars/constellations over period of a night and over a period of a year, and explain these observations in terms of the rotation and the revolution of the Earth Diurnal motion - the apparent circular motion of stars around the E This observation occurs because the Earth is rotating.
- 14. The apparent westward motion of constellation in the night sky over a period of a year is due to the revolution of the Earth around the Sun.