answersLogoWhite

0

The easiest way is to look at a picture of the star and then look at another one taken six months later. If it has moved, that can be seen on the photo when you look at it in relation to the stars in the background of the photo. That was the first method used to find the distance to the nearest stars, and it was a big surprise to find out how far they actually were.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Astronomy

How do astronomers determine the chemical compositions of stars?

The answer is long and complicated, and it is too long to place here. You need to read an entire encyclopedia articles on spectroscopy and the chemical composition of intersteller objects. D.A.W.


How do scientists determine the chemical makeup of the stars?

Different chemicals emit and absorb light at various wavelengths. Astronomers can look at the wavelength of light coming from stars and determine which chemicals must be present.


What type of electromagnetic wave helps astronomers to determine the hottest stars?

Astronomers use ultraviolet (UV) electromagnetic waves to determine the hottest stars. These stars emit significant amounts of their energy in the ultraviolet spectrum due to their high temperatures, often exceeding 30,000 Kelvin. By analyzing the UV light they emit, astronomers can gauge their surface temperatures and understand their physical properties. This information is crucial for studying stellar evolution and the characteristics of different types of stars.


How do astronomers determine the surface temperatures of the stars?

Astronomers determine the surface temperatures of stars by analyzing their spectrum of light. Each star emits a unique spectrum based on its temperature which can be measured using instruments like spectrographs. By comparing the observed spectrum to known temperature profiles, astronomers can estimate the surface temperature of a star.


Using the Doppler effect astronomers can determine a stars what?

How close and far something is from you.

Related Questions

What was improved when Han Dynasty astronomers measured how the stars moved?

Calendars and time-keeping.


Why is the HR diagram useful to astronomers?

It can be used to determine a Stars lifetime, its different stages.


How does a spectroscope enable astronomers to determine the characteristics of distant stars and galaxies?

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectroscopy


How do astronomers determine the chemical compositions of stars?

The answer is long and complicated, and it is too long to place here. You need to read an entire encyclopedia articles on spectroscopy and the chemical composition of intersteller objects. D.A.W.


How do astronomers determine the precession of the earth?

By finding a constant, continuous change in the coordinates of stars every year.


Rocks are to geologists as stars are to?

Rocks are to geologists as stars are to astronomers.


How do scientists determine the chemical makeup of the stars?

Different chemicals emit and absorb light at various wavelengths. Astronomers can look at the wavelength of light coming from stars and determine which chemicals must be present.


What type of electromagnetic wave helps astronomers to determine the hottest stars?

Astronomers use ultraviolet (UV) electromagnetic waves to determine the hottest stars. These stars emit significant amounts of their energy in the ultraviolet spectrum due to their high temperatures, often exceeding 30,000 Kelvin. By analyzing the UV light they emit, astronomers can gauge their surface temperatures and understand their physical properties. This information is crucial for studying stellar evolution and the characteristics of different types of stars.


How do astronomers determine the surface temperatures of the stars?

Astronomers determine the surface temperatures of stars by analyzing their spectrum of light. Each star emits a unique spectrum based on its temperature which can be measured using instruments like spectrographs. By comparing the observed spectrum to known temperature profiles, astronomers can estimate the surface temperature of a star.


What method do astronomers use to determine the distance to a relatively close star like Sirius?

Astronomers use the method of parallax to determine the distance to relatively close stars like Sirius. By measuring the apparent shift in position of the star as the Earth moves around the Sun, astronomers can calculate the star's distance based on trigonometry.


Using the Doppler effect astronomers can determine a stars what?

How close and far something is from you.


What does astronomers?

Stars...