2007-01-30 12:43:25 · 6 answers · asked by (♥) *YoEn* (♥) 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Spectra and spectral lines (scientific name for rainbows).
2007-01-30 12:48:35 · answer #1 · answered by Roman Soldier 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any object that's hot enough to glow gives off a specific combination of wavelengths of light called a "spectrum." Stars are very hot and glow very brightly, so they give off a large number of different colors--or wavelengths--of light.
Late in the 19th Century, astronomers figured out how to use the spectrum to determine the chemical makeup of stars. Lots of information can be obtained by photographing the spectrum and spreading it out over a wide area for detailed analysis. This process is called Spectrum Analysis, and there are tons of information about it on the internet, ranging from the sixth grade level to post-graduate.
Just do an internet search on "spectrum analysis." While you are at it, do a search on "George Ellery Hale," and you will learn some fascinating facts about the chief pioneer of this field and his contemporaries.
Good luck.
2007-01-30 13:16:39 · answer #2 · answered by aviophage 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They analyze its emission spectrum
2007-01-30 12:46:47 · answer #3 · answered by anon 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the easy and simple answer is the color. the color each star emits corresponds to a different temperature
blue is warmer than yellow etc
2007-01-30 12:58:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the light spectrum from the star.
God bless,
gabe
2007-01-30 15:49:55 · answer #5 · answered by gabegm1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
spectrum analysis
2007-01-30 14:53:12 · answer #6 · answered by blinkky winkky 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋