Stellar Spectroscopy Interactive (132.0K)
With spectroscopy, we have the tool that lets us study the temperatures and compositions of stars far beyond the solar system. In these problems, we will see how the message of starlight is decoded and applied to the starry host. Let's apply it to the prominent winter constellation, Orion.
At different temperatures, some elements are more prominent than others, but as you pull the slider, you notice changes. These changes were used about a century ago to come up with the seven spectral types we now use. How did this begin?
It is not just atoms that show up in the spectra, and the presence of molecular lines can be especially important in many ways.
We can extend our studies now into the infrared, to objects even cooler than the M stars. Now many elements have a chance to undergo chemical reactions and form compounds, and they too can be used for temperature indicators.
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