General astronomy

General astronomy

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General astronomy

alpha decay

Astronomy; General astronomy

1) Spontaneous emission by a heavier element (such as uranium) of positively charged helium nuclei - alpha particles - comprising 2 protons and 2 neutrons. The result of this radioactive decay is ...

alpha-particle

Astronomy; General astronomy

1) Nucleus formed by the α-process (q.v.) (see even-even nuclei.) 2) Particle first discovered in radioactive α decay, and later identified as helium nuclei (two protons and two neutrons bound ...

alpha-process

Astronomy; General astronomy

A hypothetical process of nucleosynthesis, which consisted of redistributing α-particles in the region from neon 20 to iron 56 (and perhaps slightly higher). The α-process has been replaced by ...

altazimuth telescope

Astronomy; General astronomy

A form of mounting similar to that of a radar which allows the telescope tube to be moved horizontally (by rotation in azimuth or compass direction) and vertically (by rotation in altitude or ...