Milky Way Galaxy Quiz

1. There is evidence that supports the existence of a supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way Galaxy.

True

False

The black hole at the center of the Milky Way Galaxy is named Sagittarius A* (SgrA*). Astronomers have used large infrared telescopes to track the paths of stars that orbit extremely quickly in the area surrounding region of SgrA*. Using the size and period of the orbit of the stars, astronomers are able to calculate the mass at the center where SgrA* is located. The large mass of 3.7 million solar masses led scientists to conclude that only object that could have this large of a mass is a black hole.

Explanation

The black hole at the center of the Milky Way Galaxy is named Sagittarius A* (SgrA*). Astronomers have used large infrared telescopes to track the paths of stars that orbit extremely quickly in the area surrounding region of SgrA*. Using the size and period of the orbit of the stars, astronomers are able to calculate the mass at the center where SgrA* is located. The large mass of 3.7 million solar masses led scientists to conclude that only object that could have this large of a mass is a black hole.

2. The most prominent feature of the Milky Way Galaxy are these long curves of bright stars, star clusters and gas and dust.

Nuclear bulge

Globular cluster

Spiral arms

Halo

The most notable feature of a spiral galaxy such as the Milky Way Galaxy are the spiral arms that wind outward. These arms have a bluish color to them because they contain hot, blue stars; clouds of dust and gas; and very young star clusters. This gives us a clue that the regions of the spiral arms contain the conditions necessary for star formation.

Explanation

The most notable feature of a spiral galaxy such as the Milky Way Galaxy are the spiral arms that wind outward. These arms have a bluish color to them because they contain hot, blue stars; clouds of dust and gas; and very young star clusters. This gives us a clue that the regions of the spiral arms contain the conditions necessary for star formation.

3. Extra mass is found in the Milky Way Galaxy in an area that extends ten times farther than the edge of the visible disk. This region is sometimes called a ________ _______.

Evidence suggests that this dark halo may contain up to two trillion solar masses. Some of this mass is composed of dim stars and white dwarfs. But the majority of the mass is thought to be an unknown substance that does not produce light. Astronomers call this form of matter, dark matter.

Explanation

Evidence suggests that this dark halo may contain up to two trillion solar masses. Some of this mass is composed of dim stars and white dwarfs. But the majority of the mass is thought to be an unknown substance that does not produce light. Astronomers call this form of matter, dark matter.

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4. Match the description with the correct component of the Milky Way Galaxy

nuclear bulge

halo

disk

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5. Select the two main components of the Milky Way Galaxy from the list

Halo

Disk

Bulge

Spiral arms

Spherical

Cluster

The two primary components of the Milky Way Galaxy are the disk component which is composed of all the matter within the plane of the galaxy's rotation. This includes dust, gas, open star clusters, and stars. The spherical component contains all of the material distributed around the center of our galaxy including the halo and the nuclear bulge.

Explanation

The two primary components of the Milky Way Galaxy are the disk component which is composed of all the matter within the plane of the galaxy's rotation. This includes dust, gas, open star clusters, and stars. The spherical component contains all of the material distributed around the center of our galaxy including the halo and the nuclear bulge.

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