Cosmic Distance Ladder Review

Front

What is a characteristic of Type 1a supernovae?

Back

They have a consistent peak brightness.

Front

Type 1a supernova absolute brightness is related to what?

Back

They're all the same.

Front

What is the most effective way to measure distances to nearby galaxies?

Back

Cepheid variable stars.

Front

Who discovered the Cepheid variable relationship?

Back

Henrietta Swan Leavitt.

Front

What does the magnitude of a star represent?

Back

The brightness of a star.

Front

What type of star system do Type 1a supernovae occur in?

Back

Binary star systems.

Front

What causes Type 1a supernovae?

Back

The collapse of a white dwarf star.

Front

What is the significance of Type 1a supernovae in astronomy?

Back

They are used as standard candles to measure cosmic distances.

Front

What is parallax used for in astronomy?

Back

Measuring distances to nearby stars.

Front

What is the relationship between a Cepheid variable's period and its luminosity?

Back

Longer periods correspond to higher luminosity.