The astronomical study of hot gas—gas with a temperature of a million degrees Kelvin or greater—began with observations of the solar atmosphere. In the 1930s, techniques were developed to perform optical studies of the solar corona during solar eclipses. The detection of highly ionized atoms of iron, calcium, and nickel, as well as an extended gaseous region, implied the presence of gas at temperatures of about a million degrees K. However, detailed study of the solar corona had to await the advent of space astronomy and the chance to observe the sun at ultraviolet and X-ray wavelengths outside the earth’s opaque atmosphere. These wavelengths are crucial for studying hot gas because highly ionized atoms are visible in these regions and because most radiated energy is emitted there.
Recent study of hot gas began with the launching in the 1970s of space observatories which gathered data on ultraviolet and X-ray wavelengths. These observations led to a new picture of the production and evolution of hot gas. Before 1970, direct evidence for the presence of hot gas in large volumes of space was lacking. Although there were theoretical arguments for pervasive interstellar gas, interstellar space in our galaxy was thought to be occupied by gas with a temperature of about 10,000 degrees K. In the 1970s, however, the observatory Copernicus revealed the widespread presence in our galaxy of highly ionized oxygen that could only be produced at high temperatures. At the same time, the Uhuru X-ray satellite discovered emissions from hot gas in the space between galaxies in clusters. Subsequent studies confirmed these findings.
It is believed that interstellar gas is heated through two mechanisms: the motions of stars and matter ejected from them, and gravitational infall. Hot gas has been observed on a smaller scale, between stars in our galaxy, and in largescale structures (clusters of galaxies). On a smaller scale, supernovae, or exploding stars, probably create an interstellar medium of hot gas within galaxies; they may also drive gas out of galaxies. On a larger scale, gravitational infall during which gas slumps toward the center of a galaxy—may play a role in the heating of gas.
1. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage about “recent study of hot gas” (Highlighted)?(A) It has prompted the rejection of earlier studies of the solar corona.
(B) It has taken place largely outside the earth’s atmosphere.
(C) It has led to full understanding of the production and evolution of hot gas.
(D) It was aimed primarily at gathering data related to the birth and death of stars.
(E) It was hindered by astronomers’ dependence on outdated research techniques.
2. Which of the following is mentioned in the passage as evidence for the presence of hot interstellar gas in our galaxy?(A) The varying levels of radiation given off by distant stars
(B) The large quantity of ionized atoms detected during solar eclipses
(C) The presence of gas with a temperature of about 10,000 degrees K in our galaxy
(D) The production of highly ionized oxygen in our galaxy
(E) The frequent occurrence of supernovae in our galaxy
3. According to the passage, the Uhuru X-ray satellite has been instrumental in helping to(A) provide detailed images of the remnants of supernovae in our galaxy
(B) determine the precise sequence of events leading to a supernova
(C) document the widespread presence of hot gas in interstellar space
(D) identify the different types of particles commonly ejected by stars
(E) measure the varying strength of gravitational fields at galactic centers
4. The author suggests that the studies of the solar atmosphere discussed in the first paragraph(A) conflict with current assumptions about the extent of the gaseous region surrounding the sun
(B) reached conclusions which were overlooked by later studies
(C) were constrained by the technology then available to scientists
(D) confirmed then-current beliefs about the presence of hot gas between stars
(E) are largely irrelevant to recent studies of hot gas
5. Which of the following best describes how the second paragraph relates to the first paragraph?(A) The second paragraph qualifies a conclusion stated in the first paragraph.
(B) The second paragraph elaborates on developments identified in the first paragraph.
(C) The second paragraph examines in detail the particular studies referred to in the first paragraph.
(D) The second paragraph identifies a more fruitful area of study than that discussed in the first paragraph.
(E) The second paragraph illustrates the degree of speculation involved in the studies mentioned in the first paragraph.
6. The passage specifically mentions information relevant to all of the following questions EXCEPT:(A) In what way does hot gas affect the evolution of stellar systems?
(B) What may result from the migration of gas toward the center of a galaxy?
(C) What effect can the release of energy during a stellar explosion have on interstellar gas?
(D) What evidence have researchers gathered for the presence of hot gas near the sun?
(E) Why is the ability to monitor ultraviolet and X-ray wavelengths necessary for the study of hot gas?