Lesson Four : Overview
The Life Cycle of StarsThis lesson will illustrate that radio astronomy provides a view of the birth and death of stars not seen in optical astronomy. It reveals many interesting facts that can help scientists understand the formation and lifespan of our own sun. Radio astronomy also allows astronomers to investigate properties of other types of stars than our own. The study of different types of stars at varying stages in their lives gives scientists important information as to how elements are distributed throughout the Galaxy.
Standards
This lesson highlights some components of the National Science Education Content
- Standard B: Physical Science
- Standard A: Science as Inquiry
- 9-12
- List and describe the different steps in the formation of a star
- Develop an understanding of the processes that make star formation possible
- Describe the different types of star death
- Explain why different types of stars die a certain way
- Investigate the role of radio astronomy in observing the formation and death of stars