A star is a celestial object that emits light. This is why they can be seen clearly in the night sky. The Sun is a star.
Stars are mainly composed of hydrogen and contain small amounts of helium and other elements. They are held together by gravity.
Nuclear reactions are the source of a star’s energy. The gases that make up the star burn and release energy in the form of heat and light.
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British astronomer Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin (1900–1979) was the first scientist to identify the composition of stars. Her 1925 research concluded that stars, including the Sun, were mostly made up of the gases hydrogen and helium. As this discovery went against scientific beliefs held at the time, it was denied by other astronomers. It turns out she was, in fact, correct.
: Fig. 34.7 The Sun is a star
) Fig. 34.8 Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin
Planets A planet is a celestial object that:
• orbits a star • has enough mass to have a nearly round shape
• has enough gravity to clear the space debris (waste) in its orbit
Many planets are visible from Earth, as they can reflect the light from the Sun.
: Fig. 34.9 Each planet in our solar system orbits the Sun ? TEST TUBE 8. Look up online which planets are visible from Earth today. 332 Elements of Science