Author Question: What types of observations are necessary to determine the absolute luminosity of a star? What ... (Read 9 times)

iveyjurea

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 555
What types of observations are necessary to determine the absolute luminosity of a star?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

The Sun's mass and volume are over a million times that of our Earth.
 
  Indicate whether the statement is true or false



gstein359

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 293
Answer to Question 1

The absolute luminosity of a star, or absolute magnitude, is determined from the apparent magnitude and distance. The apparent magnitude is rather easily measured using a telescope and a photometer. The distance can be much harder to determine. If the star is nearby then its parallax can be measured. If more distant, some other method will have to be used, such as spectroscopic parallax. Spectroscopic parallax will give the absolute magnitude of the star without having to compute distance.

Answer to Question 2

FALSE



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

Barbituric acid, the base material of barbiturates, was first synthesized in 1863 by Adolph von Bayer. His company later went on to synthesize aspirin for the first time, and Bayer aspirin is still a popular brand today.

Did you know?

In 1844, Charles Goodyear obtained the first patent for a rubber condom.

Did you know?

Disorders that may affect pharmacodynamics include genetic mutations, malnutrition, thyrotoxicosis, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson's disease, and certain forms of insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus.

Did you know?

More than 150,000 Americans killed by cardiovascular disease are younger than the age of 65 years.

Did you know?

The tallest man ever known was Robert Wadlow, an American, who reached the height of 8 feet 11 inches. He died at age 26 years from an infection caused by the immense weight of his body (491 pounds) and the stress on his leg bones and muscles.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library