Earth Science (Stars)

Stars are giant nuclear reactors. In the center of stars, atoms are taken apart by tremendous atomic collisions that alter the atomic structure and release an enormous amount of energy.

This makes stars hot and bright. In most stars, the primary reaction converts hydrogen atoms into helium atoms, releasing an enormous amount of energy. This reaction is called nuclear fusion because it fused the nuclei (center) of atoms together, forming a new nucleus. The process of forming a new nucleus (and element) is nucleosynthesis.

Stars can live for billions of years.

Norhtridge Earthquake

   

 

The Northridge earthquake occurred at 4:30 a.m. local time on January 17, 1994. Northridge is located about 30 km northwest of Los Angeles.

This earthquake had a 6.9 moment magnitude.  The duration was about 10 seconds to 20 seconds.

The Northridge earthquake was the worst earthquake in the Los Angeles basin since the San Fernando earthquake in 1971, which had a 6.7 magnitude.

The earthquake occurred along a "blind" thrust fault, close to the San Andreas fault. Note that a blind fault is a fault which does not extend to the surface. In other words, it is buried.