gigahertz (GHz) gigâhertz (#) Fr.: gigahertz A unit of → frequency, equal to 106 Hz. |
habitable zone (HZ) zonâr-e zistpazir Fr.: zone habitable A zone around a → star where the → temperature would be in the range 0-100 °C to sustain → liquid water on the surface of rocky planets (or sufficiently large moons). Water is thought to be a necessary component to the → formation and evolution of Earth-type life. This zone depends on the parent star's luminosity and distance; it will be farther from hotter stars. A more accurate definition of HZ needs to include other factors, such as orbital → eccentricity, heat sources other than stellar irradiation, and atmospheric properties. Same as → circumstellar habitable zone; → ecosphere. |
hertz (Hz) hertz (#) Fr.: hertz The SI unit of frequency, defined as a frequency of 1 cycle per second. After Heinrich Rudolf Hertz (1857-1894), the German physicist, who made several important contributions to the study of electromagnetism. |
kilohertz (kHz) kilohertz (#) Fr.: kilohertz A unit of → frequency, equal to 103 Hz. |