1
NSCI 111 Study Guide for Part V page
STUDY GUIDE FOR PART 5 (Astronomy)
The Galaxy and the Universe
INTRODUCTION:
In the last section we looked at the stars that surround us. They were many in number and many in type. In this
last section we try to organize and relate all of these stars to each other and to us. In doing this we will reach out
into space and time as far as we possibly can.
In Section A we consider the organization and structure of all the stars and star clusters that are anywhere near
us. This group of stars we call the Milky Way Galaxy.
In Section B we find that by looking out beyond our own galaxy that there are other separate groups of stars, i.e.,
other galaxies.
In Section C we try to make up a theory that will explain what we have seen in the previous chapters of this part:
We try to explain the whole universe as it is now, how it came to be as it is, and how it may change with time.
Finally, in Section D we consider all that we've talked about in the whole course and see what we can say about
alien life and alien intelligence.
A. The Milky Way
[text: Ch. 14, all]
OUTLINE:
1. Where is it in the sky
2. Its structure and size
3. Stellar populations
4. Galactic motions
5. Interstellar matter
Study Questions for Part A:
*1. What is the Milky Way? What is its shape and size? How many stars does it contain?
2. Where is the solar system in the Milky Way and how is it oriented with respect to the Milky
Way? To explain your answer, be able to identify at least two constellations through or
near which the Milky Way passes.
3. What effect does interstellar matter have on our ability to see our own galaxy?
*4. What motion do we have with respect to the Milky Way galaxy?
B. Other Galaxies
[text: Ch. 15, all; Ch. 16, all]
OUTLINE:
1. Types of galaxies
a) elliptical
(1) designations and sub-types
(2) sizes
b) spiral
(1) designations and sub-types
(2) sizes
c) irregular
d) other
(1) radio
(2) quasars
