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The science that studies the physics and chemistry of extraterrestrial objects. The alliance of physics and astronomy, which began with the advent of spectroscopy, made it possible to investigate what celestial objects are and not just where they are.
Industry:Astronomy
Mantle of gases round a star planet or moon, sometimes even forming the apparent surface of the body. For a body to retain an atmosphere depends on the body's gravity, and the temperature and composition of the gases. Mean atmospheric pressure at the surface is 10330 kg/m2, and is also referred to as atmosphere.
Industry:Astronomy
The masses of atoms and molecules are generally given in atomic mass units. These units are based on a scale in which the mass of carbon 12 is taken to be 12. Atomic masses were originally given as atomic weights on a scale where the mass of the hydrogen atom was unity, later they were based on oxygen or oxygen 16; these scales have all been replaced by the carbon 12 scale.
Industry:Astronomy
the light produced by excited atoms and ions in the upper atmosphere of a planet
Industry:Astronomy
A phenomenon occurring when a discrete double-excitation state of an atom lies in the ground-state continuum. In the autoionization process one of the excited electrons is ejected, leaving the ion in an excited state (see dielectronic recombination; see also Auger effect). (also called pre-ionization.)
Industry:Astronomy
1) Angular distance from the north point eastward to the intersection of the celestial horizon with the vertical circle passing through the object and the zenith.
2) Directional bearing around the horizon, measured in degrees from north (0 degree.)
Industry:Astronomy
