Glossary - Astronomy Magazine

Comet C/2011 L4 (PANSTARRS)

Comet C/2012 S1 (ISON)

Glossary

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variable star a star that varies in luminosity
vernal equinox the time of year around March 21 when the Sun crosses the celestial equator heading north
vignetting uneven or reduced illumination over the image plane in a telescope or camera, causing distortion such as dimming near the edge of an image
visible light the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum visible to the human eye
voids enormous regions of relatively empty space between galaxy superclusters
volatiles chemical compounds that are gaseous at low temperatures

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