Why is it important for scientist to determine the temperature ,age and composition of other stars and planets?

1 Answer
Jul 12, 2016

Determining these parameters allows scientific theories to be verified.

Explanation:

Science strives to be able to describe how stars and planets form and evolve. This requires theories to describe the processes which include:

  • Star and planet formation
  • Star and planet composition
  • Stellar and solar system evolution
  • The nuclear processes happening inside stars

The scientific method means that all theories are put to the test. By measuring or calculating the temperature, age and composition of other planets and stars the theories can be tested. If observed values of these parameters are not predicted by theories, then the theories are wrong and need to be revised or replaced.