I. What is the Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB)? The Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) is a phase in the evolution of low to intermediate mass stars, typically those with initial masses between 0.8 and 8 solar masses. During this phase, the star undergoes significant changes in its structure and composition as it nears the end of … Read more
I. What are Interstellar Absorption Lines? Interstellar absorption lines are dark lines that appear in the spectrum of light from a distant star or galaxy. These lines are caused by the absorption of specific wavelengths of light by interstellar gas and dust between the source of the light and the observer. The presence of these … Read more
I. What is a Green Flash? A green flash is a rare optical phenomenon that occurs just before sunrise or just after sunset when the sun is close to the horizon. It appears as a brief flash of green light that can last for just a few seconds. Green flashes are often seen over bodies … Read more
I. What is the New Technology Telescope (NTT)? The New Technology Telescope (NTT) is an astronomical observatory located at the La Silla Observatory in Chile. It was built and is operated by the European Southern Observatory (ESO), an intergovernmental organization consisting of 16 European countries. The NTT was inaugurated in 1989 and has since been … Read more
I. What is an Intergalactic Star? Intergalactic stars are stars that exist outside of galaxies, floating freely in the vast expanse of intergalactic space. These stars are not bound by the gravitational pull of any particular galaxy and instead drift through the void between galaxies. Intergalactic stars are a fascinating and mysterious phenomenon in the … Read more
What is a Supermassive Black Hole? A supermassive black hole is a type of black hole that is millions to billions of times more massive than the sun. These massive objects are found at the centers of most galaxies, including our own Milky Way. Supermassive black holes are incredibly dense, with gravity so strong that … Read more
I. What are Alfvén Waves? Alfvén waves are a type of magnetohydrodynamic wave that occurs in plasma, a state of matter similar to gas in which a certain proportion of its particles are ionized. These waves were first proposed by the Swedish physicist Hannes Alfvén in the 1940s and have since become a crucial concept … Read more
What is Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory? The Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) is a leading research facility located in Penticton, British Columbia, Canada. It is operated by the National Research Council of Canada and is dedicated to the study of radio astronomy. Radio astronomy is a branch of astronomy that uses radio waves to study … Read more
Definition of Trans-Neptunian Object Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs) are celestial bodies that orbit the Sun at a distance greater than that of Neptune, the eighth and farthest known planet in our solar system. These objects are located in the outer regions of the solar system, beyond the orbit of Neptune, and are considered to be part … Read more
I. What is Nucleosynthesis? Nucleosynthesis is the process by which new atomic nuclei are formed through nuclear reactions in stars and other cosmic environments. It is a fundamental process in astrophysics that explains how the elements in the universe were created and distributed. Nucleosynthesis plays a crucial role in shaping the chemical composition of galaxies, … Read more