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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