An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

An approximate expression for deriving the → opacity that depends upon temperature with a power law: κ ∝ ρT^-3.5, where ρ represents the density. In → partial ionization zones, a part of the energy released during a layer’s compression can be used for further ionization, rather than raising the temperature of the gas. As the temperature of the compressed layer has not substantially increased, the increase in density produces a corresponding increase in the opacity of the layer. Likewise, during the expansion phase, the temperature does not decrease significantly since the ions release energy when they recombine with electrons.

See also: Derived in 1923 by the Dutch physicist Henrik Kramers (1894-1952); → law.

An approximate expression for deriving the → opacity that depends upon temperature with a power law: κ ∝ ρT^-3.5, where ρ represents the density. In → partial ionization zones, a part of the energy released during a layer’s compression can be used for further ionization, rather than raising the temperature of the gas. As the temperature of the compressed layer has not substantially increased, the increase in density produces a corresponding increase in the opacity of the layer. Likewise, during the expansion phase, the temperature does not decrease significantly since the ions release energy when they recombine with electrons.

See also: Derived in 1923 by the Dutch physicist Henrik Kramers (1894-1952); → law.

Same as → Kramers’ law.

See also: Named after Henrik Kramers (1894-1952); → law.

Same as → Kramers’ law.

See also: Named after Henrik Kramers (1894-1952); → law.

The function δⁱ_k of two variables i and j defined by δⁱ_k = 1 if i = j, and δⁱ_k = 0 if i ≠ j.

See also: Leopold Kronecker (1823-1891), a German mathematician; delta, Gk. letter of alphabet.

The function δⁱ_k of two variables i and j defined by δⁱ_k = 1 if i = j, and δⁱ_k = 0 if i ≠ j.

See also: Leopold Kronecker (1823-1891), a German mathematician; delta, Gk. letter of alphabet.

A diagram used to plot trajectories in → space-time near a → black hole. The vertical and horizontal axes are two complicated functions of time and distance from the black hole. Lines of constant time radiate from the origin of the diagram, with steeper slopes corresponding to later times. Lines of constant distance are hyperbolas, lines of constant time pass through the origin; photons always travel along diagonal lines at ±45° to the vertical. The trajectory of an object falling into the black hole is shown as a curving line moving upward on the diagram at less than 45° to the vertical.

See also: Named after the American physicist Martin David Kruskal (1925-2006); → diagram.

A diagram used to plot trajectories in → space-time near a → black hole. The vertical and horizontal axes are two complicated functions of time and distance from the black hole. Lines of constant time radiate from the origin of the diagram, with steeper slopes corresponding to later times. Lines of constant distance are hyperbolas, lines of constant time pass through the origin; photons always travel along diagonal lines at ±45° to the vertical. The trajectory of an object falling into the black hole is shown as a curving line moving upward on the diagram at less than 45° to the vertical.

See also: Named after the American physicist Martin David Kruskal (1925-2006); → diagram.

A colorless, odorless, highly un-reactive gaseous chemical element and a member of the inert gas family. Symbol Kr; atomic number 36; atomic weight 83.80; melting point -156.6°C; boiling point -152.3°C.

See also: Krypton, from Gk. kryptos “concealed, hidden”. It was discovered in liquefied atmospheric air by the Scottish chemist William Ramsay and the English chemist Morris William Travers in 1898.

A colorless, odorless, highly un-reactive gaseous chemical element and a member of the inert gas family. Symbol Kr; atomic number 36; atomic weight 83.80; melting point -156.6°C; boiling point -152.3°C.

See also: Krypton, from Gk. kryptos “concealed, hidden”. It was discovered in liquefied atmospheric air by the Scottish chemist William Ramsay and the English chemist Morris William Travers in 1898.