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To determine the chemical composition of stars, scientists look at what's called the emission spectrum of the stars, which can be obtained from the light coming from the stars. Thin lines are observed in different parts of the spectrum, which correspond to different chemicals. In other words, the lines are like fingerprints of chemicals. By looking at these fingerprints, one can determine what type of chemicals are present in the star.
To determine the surface temperature of stars, we use the Wien's Law.
It states that:
Peak wavelength x Surface Temperature = 2.898x10-3
Peak wavelength can be determined by looking at the light coming from the star in question. It is the wavelength with the highest intensity.
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How do scientists learn about galaxies?
they learn by going to a good school and study the stars and planets
Are aliens real or not?
Since there are a vast amount of galaxies, stars, planets, and even universes!, there are bound to be other extra-terrestrial life forms roaming about. In fact, scientists have created an equation to determine the possibility of life elsewhere than earth {the drake equation}. As early as today, we are finding out more about our universe. Astronomers have detected phosphine gas on Venus { meaning possible life.}. I hope this answer finds you well, good-bye!
When they classify stars with O B K etc what does each letter represent for example does K represent Kelvin does B represent Balmer?
It has to do with temperature but K does not represent Kelvin. Here is a site that might help you: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/stars/startypes.shtml
How can you determine your geographic location based on the time of day?
Having only one piece of information, such as the time of day, wouldn't allow you to determine your geographic position. You would have to have additional information such as the position of the sun (or stars) at a particular time of day in order to accurately determine your position. There is an excellent PBS piece on this at: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/teachers/ideas/sammons/packet.html
What is the connection between a star's surface temperature and its color?
Stars that are cool normally radiate ther energy in the electromagnetic spectrum as red. Even though all the sky appear to be white, Hot stars radiate much longer wave lengths, causing an almost blue color to be emitted.
What characteristics do scientists measure to determine the temperature and composition of stars?
the light radiated from the stars
What can a star's spectrum tell us?
scientists can tell the stars composition and temperature from its spectrum. Hope tht helps :]
How do scientists determine a stars composition?
Light wavelength and light spectrum i believe.
What can a scientist learn about from a stars spectrum?
scientists can tell the stars composition and temperature from its spectrum. Hope tht helps :]
What is stellar spectroscopy used for?
The purpose of stellar spectroscopy is to determine the chemical composition of stars, the temperature and some other characteristcs..
Can Scientists learn about the chemical composition of stars by analyzing the light they transmit.?
Scientists can learn the composition of a star from the amount and types of electromagnetic radiation, including light, that it gives off. Additionally, scientists can determine the rate of nuclear fusion from the amount of light released per unit of time.
What do scientists study to learn about the properties of stars?
Scientists study stellar spectra to learn about their properties such as temperature, chemical composition and relative chemical abundances, radial velocity, rotational speed etc.
Is it true that scientists can learn about the chemical composition of stars by analyzing the light they transmit?
Yes
What determines how bright stars are?
Size and temperature determine the brightness of stars.
How do you determine a stars luminosity?
To determine a star's luminosity is from size and temperature.
What are the four characteristics that scientists use to classify stars?
Stars are classified by four different characteristics. Apparent magnitude (brightness) and absolute magnitude (how bright it would appear at 10 parsecs from the earth). Luminosity, another measure of brightness, compares the star to the sun's brightness. Spectral classifications are measured by the star's temperatures. Finally stars are signed a number by scientists through the Morgan-Keenan System.
How do scientist determine the surface temperature of the stars?
brightness
