Astrophysics Vocabulary

noun a positively charged particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons, emitted in radioactive decay

• An alpha particle is a positively charged particle consisting of two protons and two neutrons.
• Dude, did you know that an alpha particle is like a tiny little powerhouse of energy?
• Yo, that alpha particle is like the boss of all particles, man.
• Her confidence was like an alpha particle, radiating strength and power in every direction.

noun a system of millions or billions of stars, together with gas and dust, held together by gravitational attraction

• Scientists study the formation and evolution of galaxies in the universe.
• Have you seen the latest pictures of the Andromeda galaxy?
• That new phone has a camera that can take pictures that are out of this galaxy!
• Her imagination is like a galaxy, full of endless possibilities.

noun a concept describing something that is limitless or endless in space, time, or quantity

• The concept of infinity has intrigued mathematicians and philosophers for centuries.
• I could stare at the stars for infinity and never get bored.
• I'm in love with that new song, I could listen to it for infinity!
• Her kindness seemed to stretch to infinity, always willing to help others.

noun the process of converting an atom or molecule into an ion by adding or removing charged particles

• Ionization is the process by which an atom or a molecule acquires a negative or positive charge.
• When ionization occurs, atoms gain or lose electrons.
• Dude, did you know ionization can totally change the properties of an element?
• In a way, ionization is like adding a spark to a conversation, changing the dynamics completely.

noun a celestial object, thought to be a rapidly rotating neutron star, that emits regular pulses of radio waves and other electromagnetic radiation

adjective pulsar (used to describe something related to or characteristic of pulsars)

• The astronomers observed a pulsar emitting regular pulses of radiation.
• I read about this cool pulsar that sends out signals in space.
• That pulsar is lit - it's like a cosmic lighthouse!
• Her energy and enthusiasm were like a pulsar, radiating positivity to everyone around her.

noun a system or device used to propel a rocket or spacecraft through the atmosphere or outer space

• Rocket propulsion is the process of creating thrust to propel a rocket forward.
• The rocket propulsion system is what makes the rocket go zoom!
• The rocket's propulsion is like its engine, it's what makes it fly.
• Her determination was like rocket propulsion, propelling her towards her goals at lightning speed.

noun the state, fact, quality, or condition of being singular; a unique or distinct feature or characteristic

• The concept of technological singularity refers to the hypothetical moment when artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence.
• I heard that some scientists believe we are getting closer to the singularity, when robots will be smarter than us.
• Dude, have you seen that new AI program? It's like, singularity level smart!
• The artist's performance had a singularity to it, a unique quality that captivated the audience.

noun a type of spectrometer used for spectroscopic analysis

• The scientist used a spectroscope to analyze the light emitted by the star.
• I heard that they used a spectroscope to study the colors in the sky.
• Check out this cool spectroscope they used to look at the rainbow!
• Her eyes acted like a spectroscope, noticing every subtle change in his expression.

noun the act or process of imploding

verb to collapse or burst inward violently

• The building's structural integrity was compromised, causing it to implode.
• I heard that the company is about to implode due to financial troubles.
• If you keep taking on so much stress, you're going to implode.
• The pressure of the situation caused her to feel like she was going to implode.

noun a significant release of plasma and magnetic field from the solar corona

• A coronal mass ejection is a significant release of plasma and magnetic field from the solar corona.
• Scientists are tracking a coronal mass ejection headed towards Earth.
• That coronal mass ejection was a real doozy!
• Her anger was like a coronal mass ejection, exploding out of her with intense force.