How is spectroscopic parallax is determined?
1 Answer
Sep 20, 2017
The absolute magnitude of a star is determined. It is combined with the already observed apparent magnitude and the distance modulus provides the distance to the star.
Explanation:
Excellent discussion and graphics here:
http://astro.unl.edu/naap/distance/spectroscopic_parallax.html
The term spectroscopic parallax is a misnomer as it actually has nothing to do with parallax. It is, however, a way to find the distance to stars. Good luminosity chart and example of its use here:
http://www.atnf.csiro.au/outreach/education/senior/astrophysics/photometry_specparallax.html
