How can scientists determine the composition and temperature of stars?
1 Answer
Jan 10, 2016
It depends upon the star's age and size.
Explanation:
All young stars are made up of two elements, hydrogen and helium. But once stars burn through all their hydrogen, the ensuing nuclear fusion creates heavier element and depending upon the size of the star, that will dictate what elements will be created.
For an older star, each element emits light at a particular wave length. Spectography will detect what elements are present in any particular star by the various wave lengths of light emitted.
As to a star's temperature, that measurement is made by determining how brightly it is shining. The brighter the star, the hotter it is.
