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Chapter 25: Problem 1

When quasi-stellar radio sources were first discovered and named, why were they called "quasi-stellar"?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Quasi-stellar radio sources were named 'quasi-stellar' because they appeared star-like when viewed through a telescope, despite actually being extremely bright, distant galaxies. Their brightness and distance gave them an almost star-like appearance, hence the name 'quasi-stellar', which means 'almost star-like'.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the term 'quasi-stellar'

Quasi-stellar stands for quasi-stellar radio source. The term 'quasi' means 'almost', while 'stellar' refers to something related to stars. So, quasi-stellar would mean something that is almost like a star.
02

Investigate the characteristics of quasi-stellar radio sources

Quasi-stellar radio sources, also known as 'quasars', are extremely bright, distant galaxies. They are among the most powerful, energetic, and brightest objects known in the universe. At first glance, due to their brightness and distance, they can appear to be like stars when viewed through a telescope.
03

Connect the definition with the characteristics

Considering the characteristics of quasi-stellar radio sources - their star-like appearance, as seen from Earth due to their brightness and distance - matches with the term 'quasi-stellar' (almost star-like). Hence, they were named 'quasi-stellar'.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Use a telescope with an aperture of at least \(20 \mathrm{~cm}\) (8 in.) to observe the Seyfert Galaxy NGC 1068 (also known as M77). Located in the constellation Cetus (the Whale), this galaxy is most easily seen from September through January. The epoch 2000 coordinates are R.A. \(=2^{\mathrm{h}} 2.7^{\mathrm{m}}\) and Decl. \(=-0^{\circ} 01^{\prime}\). Sketch what you see. Is the galaxy's nucleus diffuse or starlike? How does this compare with other galaxies you have observed?

Calculate the Schwarzschild radius of a \(10^{9}\)-solar-mass black hole. How does your answer compare with the size of our solar system (given by the diameter of Pluto's orbit)?

How do astronomers know that quasars are located in galaxies? In what sorts of galaxies are they found?

. What is a blazar? What is unique about its spectrum? How is it related to other active galaxies?

What is a radio galaxy? What is a double radio source? Why do astronomers think these objects may be related to radioloud quasars?
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