How do scientist estimate how many stars are in a galaxy?

Answer 1

Many estimates in astronomy have some uncertainty to them, and the estimate of the number of stars in our galaxy is no exception. Even the world's largest telescopes can't count the stars. They see only the brightest and nearest stars - and stars not obscured by dust.

To estimate the number of the Milky Way's stars, astronomers first assume there's nothing special about our region of space. They determine the number of different types stars in this region - then extend this knowledge to the galaxy as a whole. The most popular current models suggest the Milky Way is about 100,000 light-years across. The estimate for the number of stars is about 100 billion stars - plus or minus 50 billion.

Answer 2

The same way we would estimate the number of grass blades in a field.

Pick a known area and actually count the number of stars observed - multiply this by the percentage of the area counted and that will give you a good estimate of the number of stars.

As technology increases and optical resolution increases, these numbers will vary.

Answer 3

The best estimate of the number of stars in a typical galaxy is unknown there is so many but the best estimate is BILLIONS

Answer 4

they estimate how many stars the galaxy has: by measuring the size and brightness of the galaxy

Answer 5

by applying Newton's extension of Kepler's laws to the motion of the Sun and other stars

Answer 6

The observable universe is estimated to contain 200 billion to 2 trillion galaxies

Answer 7

100 billion