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How does the universe recyle matter through stars and the interstellar medium?
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
It is mainly in supernova explosions that part of the matter of the star - NOT all of it - goes back into space; as a result, some of it eventually ends up in new solar systems, such as our Solar System.
The result of this is that our Solar System has some heavy elements, which were not present when the Universe began.
Please note that this "recycling" can't go on forever. Part of the mass stays in the star remainders; a supernova may collapse into a neutron star or a black hole. Also, the matter that goes out into space has more heavy elements than the original mass of the star that went supernova. In other words, it contains less hydrogen, which is used as fuel for stars.
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
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The dimming of starlight as it passes through the interstellar medium is called?
interstellar extinction. This phenomenon occurs due to the absorption and scattering of light by dust and gas particles present in the interstellar medium, leading to a decrease in the observed brightness of the starlight.
What is interstellar matter made of?
Interstellar matter is primarily composed of gas (mostly hydrogen and helium) and dust grains. This matter is spread throughout the vast, empty regions of space between stars within a galaxy. Additionally, interstellar matter can also contain trace amounts of other elements, molecules, and compounds that contribute to the complex chemistry and physics of the interstellar medium.
How can you see through the interstellar medium?
By using various wavelengths of light, such as infrared or radio waves, we can see through the interstellar medium. Different wavelengths can penetrate the dust and gas in space, allowing us to observe objects that may be hidden in visible light. Telescopes and instruments that are sensitive to these wavelengths help in studying the interstellar medium.
The interstellar medium is enriched with heavy elements by the remnants of what?
The interstellar medium is enriched with heavy elements by the remnants of supernova explosions. Supernovae are massive stellar explosions that release heavy elements such as carbon, oxygen, and iron into space, enriching the surrounding interstellar medium with these elements.
Which of these is not a consequence of dust in the interstellar medium?
One consequence of dust in the interstellar medium is causing reddening of starlight due to scattering and absorption.
What has the author Brian M Cancellieri written?
Brian M. Cancellieri has written: 'Interstellar medium' -- subject(s): Interstellar matter
Which part of the interstellar matter produces reddening?
Visible light against electrons combined with ionized hydrogen create the "reddening" effect in the Interstellar Medium.
The dimming of starlight as it passes through the interstellar medium is called?
interstellar extinction. This phenomenon occurs due to the absorption and scattering of light by dust and gas particles present in the interstellar medium, leading to a decrease in the observed brightness of the starlight.
What has the author Ginevra Trinchieri written?
Ginevra Trinchieri has written: 'The environmental impact of intra-cluster medium on the interstellar medium in early type galaxies' -- subject(s): X ray astronomy, Galaxies, Interstellar matter
What has the author W B Burton written?
W. B. Burton has written: 'The galactic interstellar medium' -- subject(s): Astrophysics, Interstellar matter, Molecular clouds
What is a galaxy in astrophysics?
A galaxy is a vast number of stars together with the interstellar medium and dark matter bound together by gravity.
What is interstellar matter made of?
Interstellar matter is primarily composed of gas (mostly hydrogen and helium) and dust grains. This matter is spread throughout the vast, empty regions of space between stars within a galaxy. Additionally, interstellar matter can also contain trace amounts of other elements, molecules, and compounds that contribute to the complex chemistry and physics of the interstellar medium.
What is the beginning of a star?
Gravity plays an important role in the birth of a star. It concentrates matter in the interstellar medium to the point where fusion occurs.
How can you see through the interstellar medium?
By using various wavelengths of light, such as infrared or radio waves, we can see through the interstellar medium. Different wavelengths can penetrate the dust and gas in space, allowing us to observe objects that may be hidden in visible light. Telescopes and instruments that are sensitive to these wavelengths help in studying the interstellar medium.
What force is the beginning of a star?
Gravity plays an important role in the birth of a star. It concentrates matter in the interstellar medium to the point where fusion occurs.
What percentage of matter in the universe isn't plasma?
Of the visible, baryonic matter in the universe, about 0.1% is not plasma, according to some hurried estimates. This includes the large gas giants, such as Saturn and Jupiter. Most all of the Sun's hydrogen and helium is ionized, and most of the interstellar medium as well.However, ordinary matter, the stuff plasma is made up of, only constitutes about 5% of the total mass-energy of the universe. Some 27% is dark matter, and it is not known whether dark matter can form plasma of any kind. It's safe to say that less than 5% of the total mass-energy of the universe comes as baryonic plasma.
The interstellar medium is enriched with heavy elements by the remnants of what?
The interstellar medium is enriched with heavy elements by the remnants of supernova explosions. Supernovae are massive stellar explosions that release heavy elements such as carbon, oxygen, and iron into space, enriching the surrounding interstellar medium with these elements.
