International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition

Qualification Round 2021

Problem A : Observing the Night Sky (5 Points)

Fill in the blank spaces with the correct answers:

Approximately how many stars are visible with the naked eye in the night sky?

(1) About 5000 stars

Where in the night sky can you observe the famous double star system Mizar and
Alcor?

(2) These stars are readily visible in Northern hemisphere and for latitudes greater than
35° these stars are always above the horizon in 35° from the Northern celestial pole.

What kind of celestial object is Neowise C/2020 F3 and what makes it special?

(3) Neowise C/2020 F3 is a comet that was discovered on March 27, 2020, by
NEOWISE. It makes special because it icy, rocky objects made up of ice, rock and
dust.

Which very intense meteor shower is taking place annually in December?

(4) It is the Geminids meteor.

What are the names of the following three well-known constellations?

(5). Cassiopeia

(6). Cygnus

(7). Lepus

Problem B : Shock Wave Escape (5 Points)

Let's consider the situation from the frame of reference of the wave. In this frame it
does not move and the ship approaches it with the speed of v = -25000km/s = -2.5×10
7 m/s.
In order to be in safety, it should achieve a zero speed in this frame. This will happen
in time:

t = (0-v)/a =-v/a

where a =150m/s^2 is the acceleration of the ship. In this time the ship covers the
following distance: d=vt+(a.t^2)/2=-(v^2)/2a

d=− [(2.5×10 7 ) ^2] /150 ≈4.2×10^12 m

Since 15 AU is approximately 2.2\times 10^{12}m2.2×10 12 m the crew does not

manage to escape from the shock wave.

Problem C : Mysterious Planet (5 Points)

a) M=1,03. 10^26kg
b) It is Neptune

Problem D : Gravitational Constant (5 Points)

a) The gravitational potential energy at the distance is E=-[ G.(3/4)mp]/(r+h)

b) No answer
c) No answer

Problem E : Pulsars (5 Points)

Pulsars are formed when massive stars burn out all their fuel and collapse into a neutron
star. However, the angular momentum remains the same. Neutron stars are smaller than
what they were before, thus, the angular speed significantly increases. When the
magnetic axis is not aligned with the axis of rotation, its periodical oscillation results
in the emission of radiation in the direction of star's axis of rotation. From earth this
seems like the star is pulsating.