Star Color and Temperature

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the relationship between star color and temperature, classification, and spectral analysis in astronomy.

Star Color

The color of a star corresponds to its temperature; red stars are cooler, while blue stars are hotter.

Black Body Spectrum

A theoretical curve that describes the intensity of radiation emitted by a black body at different wavelengths, indicating energy distribution at varying temperatures.

Absorption Lines

Dark lines in a spectrum that indicate the presence of specific elements in a star, formed when light passes through cooler gas.

Emission Lines

Bright lines in a spectrum that indicate emitted wavelengths of light from a star or other glowing gas.

B Filter

The blue-violet wavelength filter used to determine a star's temperature in relation to its black body spectrum.

V Filter

The green-yellow wavelength filter used in conjunction with the B filter to ascertain a star’s black body spectrum.

Spectrum Classification

The classification of stars based on their temperatures, using the system OBAFGKM from hottest to coolest.

Temperature Range of Stars

Stars can have temperatures ranging from about 3,000 degrees Kelvin (red) to 30,000 degrees Kelvin (blue).

G2 Star

The classification of the Sun, indicating it is a middle-temperature star within the range of the spectral classifications.

Weak Absorption Lines

Characteristics of cooler stars, which have less distinct absorption features due to a higher number of molecules.