A team of astronomers takes spectra of thousands of different stars in different parts of the sky. The spectra show significant differences. The main reason the spectra of the stars do not all look alike is that the stars
A) are located in many different regions of the Milky Way
B) have different temperatures
C) are made of significantly different elements
D) sometimes have atmospheres and sometimes do not
E) change their spectra as they age, and so young stars have very different spectra from older ones

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The spectra of stars are influenced by their temperature, which determines the amount and distribution of energy in their light. Thus, stars of different temperatures produce spectra with different characteristics.

A Team of Astronomers Takes Spectra of Thousands of Different