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2007-10-16 12:22:56 · 3 answers · asked by dancinn4lifee_07 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
It is not the examination of individual stars that we use to gauge the age of the universe, it is the examination of distant galaxies and the speed at which they are separating.
2007-10-16 13:11:51 · answer #1 · answered by johnandeileen2000 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Looking at stars can help us estimate the age of the star you are looking at by measuring redshift. Redshift occurs when the electromagnetic radiation, usually visible light, that is emitted from or reflected off an object is shifted toward the (less energetic) red end of the electromagnetic spectrum.
We can estimate the lower limit to the age of the universe by measuring the red shift of the oldest stars. But a better measure of the age of the universe, one approaching its upper limit of age is by measuring the background microwave radiation left over from the big bang (google WMAP).
2007-10-16 12:30:36 · answer #2 · answered by Dendronbat Crocoduck 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
STARS UNDERGO CERTAIN CHANGES AS VARIOUS ELEMENTS ARE USED UP. THIS HELPS DETERMINE WHEN THE UNIVERSE ORIGINATED AND WHEN IT WILL CEASE.
2007-10-16 12:37:32 · answer #3 · answered by Loren S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋