d= distance to HT Cas
a=radius of the Earth’s orbit
p=parallax angle
1. Given the above equation and information provided, about how far away is HT Cas?
2. Given that 1 parsec = 3.2616 light years, about what is the distance to HT Cas in light years?
3. Based on your answer, do you think this is a star that we might be able to send a space probe to? Why or why not?
4. Main Sequence stars can be classified according to which characteristics? What are the characteristics of our Sun?
5.Which main sequence stars can be found with a surface temperature of between 3000K-4000K? Which stars have a luminosity about 100 times less than that of the Sun?
6.Briefly describe the solar evolution time-line of a common star like our own from formation through collapse.
7.Describe different characteristics between terrestrial and Jovian planets.
8.What are the characteristics of a planet?Explain why Pluto was “demoted” to a dwarf planet.
9.Briefly describe how a black hole forms.
10.What is the most accurate method to calculate the distance to the stars? What are the limitations of this method, and at what distance? What are some other ways to estimate stellar distances more accurately than the method identified above? What unit of measurement is most commonly used to describe the distances between stars and/or galaxies? How does knowing the distance help classify a star?
