Reach for the Stars Presented by Linder Winter National Event Supervisor E-S Rules Committee Chair

Part I: Basic Event Information Reach for the Stars Part I: Basic Event Information

Description Students will demonstrate an understand-ing and basic knowledge of the properties and evolution of sun-sized and massive stars, open clusters and globular clusters, and normal and star-forming galaxies.

Note: “Reach for the Stars” is now solely a “stars” event and, as such, will no longer include: 1. location and identification of planets on star charts, etc. 2. the term “zodiac” to avoid the pseudo-science of astrology. 3. or references to asterisms.

Event Parameters The only resource permitted is one 8.5” x 11.5” single or double-sided sheet of computer-generated or handwritten notes per team. Notes may include graphics, tables, and/or text.

Event Parameters Suggested information to include on the resource sheet for each star: a. Name. Example. Sol b. Classification. G2V c. Evolutionary stage. Main sequence d. Constellation e. RA/Declination, i.e. location f. Unique characteristics, if any

Event Parameters Suggested information to include on the resource sheet for each Deep Sky Object: a. Name b. Constellation c. Messier number, i.e. M1, M13, etc. d. Kind of object: SNR, Globular cluster, etc. e. RA/Declination (for location) f. Thumbnail image g. Unique characteristics, if any

The Competition The event is divided into two parts. Notes may be used in both parts.

The Competition Part I: Participants will be asked to identify the stars, constellations, and deep sky objects included in the lists below as they appear on star charts, H-R diagrams, portable star labs, photos, or planetariums, and be knowledgeable about the evolutionary stages of all stars and deep sky objects. (Participants must bring a flashlight with a red filter and a clipboard unless they have been informed that the event will not take place in a planetarium or a portable star lab.)

Stars The stars in the list were chosen to repre-sent the various stages in the lives of stars. A few of the stars and deep sky objects on the list are not visible from the northern hemisphere. Example: there are no similar features to the Magellanic Clouds in the Northern skies.

Constellations Constellations have been included 1. for historical purposes. 2. for ease of locating specific objects in the sky. 3. and for those individuals who enjoy locating them and learning their accompanying tales. Coaches should emphasize that constellations are imaginary groupings of stars with historical and literary importance, but limited scientific significance.

Stellar Classification Standard means to record the classifi-cation of a star. Example: Earth’s sun = G2V 1. Letter of class – O, B, A, F, G, K, M 2. Temperature number – 0 to 9 3. Luminosity category – Ia, Ib, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII (Not always included. It’s proper to refer to the sun as a G2 star.)

Spectral Classification For Earth's star, Sol, a G2V star: 1. Class – G 2. Relatively hot – 2 3. Main sequence star – V

Stellar Classification Each star class is divided into 10 sub-classes, ranging from 0 (hottest) to 9 (coolest).

Spectral Classification Luminosity Classes are designated by Roman numerals I thru VII, in order of decreasing luminosity: Ia (most luminous supergiants) Ib (less luminous supergiants) II (luminous giants) III (normal giants) IV (subgiants) V (main sequence and dwarfs) VI (subdwarfs) (VI stars are not always included.) VII (white dwarfs) (VIII stars are not always included.)

Spectral Classification The color of a star depends on its temperature Red Stars are Cooler Blue Stars are Hotter Spectral Classification Classify stars by their spectral lines Spectral differences are due mostly to temperature, not composition. Spectral Sequence (Temperature Sequence): O B A F G K M L T

Spectral Classification The traditional mnemonics for remembering the spectral types are based on the old Harvard OBAFGKM system. Harvard (1920s): Oh Be A Fine Girl, Kiss Me Berkeley (late `60s): Oh Buy A Fine Green Kilo Man Caltech (late `70s): On Bad Afternoons Fermented Grapes Keep Mrs. Richard Nixon Smiling

Part II: Information for Students Reach for the Stars Part II: Information for Students

Stellar Evolution of Stars Formation in a stellar nursery … through birth … each life stage … and final product – (white dwarf, neutron star, black hole).

H-R Diagram

Star Clusters: Definition Gravitationally-bound collection of stars that formed from the same gas cloud.

Image: WIYN Telescope, Kitt Peak Open Clusters 1. Contain a few (typically tens to thousands of) young stars 2. Individual stars are easily resolved Image: WIYN Telescope, Kitt Peak

Open Clusters 4. Stars within open clusters eventually disperse. 3. Open clusters are collections of hot, recently formed stars found preferentially in the spiral arms of the galaxy. 4. Stars within open clusters eventually disperse. Credit: AURA, NOAO, NSF

Image: Hubble Space Telescope Globular Clusters 1. Are found in the haloes of galaxies 2. Contain from tens of thousands to millions of ancient stars crowded into a more or less spherical volume of space. Image: Hubble Space Telescope

Image: Sonoita Observatories Globular Clusters 3. Their central density is sufficiently high that individual stars cannot be resolved from earth-based telescopes Image: Sonoita Observatories

Spiral Galaxies 1. Disk-shaped, usually with a bulge at the center and arms spiraling outwards 2. Tend to contain more middle-aged stars along with clouds of gas and dust The spiral galaxy NGC 1309

Image courtesy Richard Crisp Spiral Galaxies Spiral galaxies contain large concentrations of gas and dust. The spiral arms are waves of star formation swirling around the galaxy. New stars are hot and bright. They light up the gas and dust in the arms. Image courtesy Richard Crisp

Elliptical Galaxies 1. Contain older stars and very little gas and dust 2. Can be different shapes ranging from round, to flattened, elongated spheres. 3.Orbits of stars within elliptical galaxies are in random directions NOAO/AURA/NSF

Eliptical Galaxies Elliptical galaxies contain modest amounts of cool and warm gas, though not as much as found in spiral galaxies There are generally not enough gases to support much star formation. The Giant Elliptical, M87

Galactic Types & Structure Irregular galaxies 1. Poorly-defined structures 2. Have lots of young stars, dust and gas. 3.Show evidence of extensive star formation Image courtesy of Richard Crisp.

Constellation: Andromeda Deep Sky Object: Andromeda Galaxy M-31 Image © 1995-2006 Noel Carbon

Constellation: Aquila Star: Altair Classification: A7V Stellar Evolution: Main Sequence

Constellation: Auriga Star: Capella Classification: G5III+G0III Stellar Evolution: Red Giant

Constellation: Bootes Star: Arcturus – Brightest star in the Northern Hemisphere Classification: K2III Red Giant

Constellation: Canis Major Star: Sirius Classification: A1V

Constellation: Canis Minor Star: Procyon Classification: F5IV-V

Constellation: Lyra Star: Vega Classification: A0V Main sequence, Blue Deep Sky Object: Ring Nebula – M57

Constellation: Lyra Deep Sky Object: Ring Nebula – M57 © 1995-2006 Noel Carboni

Constellation: Orion Star: Betelgeuse Classification: M2Ib Red supergiant RA=5 h 52 m , Dec=7° Star: Rigel Classification: B8Ia Stellar Evolution: Blue Supergiant

Constellation: Orion Deep Sky Object: Orion Nebula – M42 Copyright © 1995-2006 Noel Carbon

Constellation: Dorado/Mensa Deep Sky Object: Large Magellanic Cloud

Constellation: Mensa/Dorado Deep Sky Object: Large Magellanic Cloud

Constellation: Tucana Deep Sky Object: Small Magellanic Cloud NASA/ESA

Constellation: Perseus Star: Algol Classification: B8V+G5IV+A

Constellation: Ursa Major Star: Alcor Star: Mizar Classification: A2V+A2V+A1V

Constellation: Ursa Minor Star: Polaris Classification: F7Ib-II

Constellation: Hercules Globular Cluster: M13

Constellation: Hercules Globular Cluster: M13 Copyright © 1995-2006 Noel Carboni

Constellation: Cassiopeia Deep Sky Object: (Supernova Remnant) Cas A Deep Sky Object (Supernova Remnant) Tycho’s SNR

Constellation: Cassiopeia Deep Sky Object (Supernova Remnant) Tycho’s SNR

Constellation: Cassiopeia Deep Sky Object (Supernova Remnant) Cas A

Constellation: Taurus Star: Aldebaran Classification: K5III Red Giant

Constellation: Taurus Star Cluster: Hyades

Constellation: Taurus Deep Sky Object (Star Cluster): Pleiades – M45 NASA photo

Constellation: Taurus Deep Sky Object (Supernova Remnant): Crab Nebula – M1

Constellation: Taurus Deep Sky Object (Supernova Remnant): Crab Nebula – M1 Nasa/ESA Image

Constellation: Scorpius Star: Antares Classification: M1Ib+B4V

Constellation: Gemini Star: Castor Classification: A1V+A2V Star: Pollux Classification: K0III

Constellation: Virgo Star: Spica Classification: B1V+B2V

Constellation: Cancer Deep Sky Object: Beehive Cluster – M44

Constellation: Cancer Deep Sky Object: Beehive Cluster – M4 Credit and © CapellaSoft, SkyTools 2

Constellation: Leo Star: Regulus Classification: B7V

Constellation: Canis Venatica Deep Sky Object: Whirlpool Galaxy – M51

Constellation: Canes Venatica Whirlpool Galaxy – M51

Constellation: Centaurus Star: Proxima Centauri Classification: M5

Constellation: Ophiuchus Star: Bernard’s Star Bernard’s Star is currently the second closest star to the Sun, at 5.96 light years (if you count the 3 stars of Alpha Centauri as one star). It also has the highest known proper motion, i.e., it is moving relative to the Sun at a greater speed than any other star. In about 8,000 years, its speed and direction will make Bernard's Star the closest star to the Sun.

Milky Way Galaxy Copyright Lund Observatory

Part III: Instructional Activities Reach for the Stars Part III: Instructional Activities

Stellar Bingo: An Introductory Activity Note: This activity has been included on your Coaches Clinic CD.

Star Clues This activity is also on the Coaches Clinic CD. Introduces students to the H-R Diagram through a challenging activity requiring students to complete a chart from clues.

Reach for the Stars Practice Exam Note: This practice exam has been included on your Coaches Clinic CD. The exam uses a set of “Stellar Evolution” images that may be requested from the Chandra X-ray Center.

The Game of SPACE S = Stars P = Planets A = Astronomy C = Constellations E = Exploration

STELLAR JOURNEY: The Game Participants gather mass and time to apply to three stars of varying mass. The three stars are born, live their lives, and die as either white dwarfs, neutron stars, or black holes.