Characteristics of Stars

Question 1

All characteristics are?

Answer 1

Distance,
size,
composition,
colour/temperature,
brightness.

Question 2

What is distance

Answer 2

How far the star is from the observer (earth). Parallax activity is used to discern.

Question 3

Parallax Activity

Answer 3

The apparent change in location of an object based on the viewpoint.

Question 4

Size

Answer 4

Parallax is also used to discern this. The size of the star assists in understanding it.

Question 5

Colour/Temperature

Answer 5

Colour directly relates to temperature. The closer to red a star is, the cooler, while the closer to violet a star is, the hotter.

Question 6

Composition

Answer 6

Elements absorb light at wavelengths specific to each type of atom. By viewing the spectrum of a star, the composition of elements may be determined.

Question 7

Apparent Magnitude

Answer 7

How bright the star appears from the viewpoint (earth).

Question 8

Luminosity

Answer 8

The actual brightness of the star, regardless of distance.

Question 9

Absolute Magnitude

Answer 9

The measurement of the star’s brightness if everything was the same distance from the viewpoint (earth).