How do you determine the mass of a star that is not part of a binary system?

0 ⤊

How do you determine the mass of a star that is not part of a binary system?

how do you determine the mass of a star that is not part of a binary system?

2007-11-05 14:10:03 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space

2 answers

You study its spectrum to determine its spectral type, luminosity class, metallicity, and age as best you can. Then you can estimate its mass based on similar stars whose mass can be determined by their orbital motion.

2007-11-05 14:51:33 · answer #1 · answered by injanier 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋

By observing the spectrum, finding it's composition, measuring it's magnitude, and making estimates.

2007-11-05 22:19:17 · answer #2 · answered by Thomas F 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋