Which of these MOST plausibly explains why the star Bellatrix in Orion looks bluish to the naked eye?
A) The spectrum of light emitted from Bellatrix peaks in the blue region of the spectrum, with almost all its light concentrated in the blue region of the spectrum.
B) The spectrum of light emitted from Bellatrix peaks in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum. Within the visible part of the spectrum, there is more emission in the blue than in any other color.
C) Bellatrix is moving toward Earth rapidly enough that its light appears appreciably blueshifted.
D) Bellatrix is made of blue material.

Question

Which of these MOST plausibly explains why the star Bellatrix in Orion looks bluish to the naked eye?
A) The spectrum of light emitted from Bellatrix peaks in the blue region of the spectrum, with almost all its light concentrated in the blue region of the spectrum.
B) The spectrum of light emitted from Bellatrix peaks in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum. Within the visible part of the spectrum, there is more emission in the blue than in any other color.
C) Bellatrix is moving toward Earth rapidly enough that its light appears appreciably blueshifted.
D) Bellatrix is made of blue material.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bellatrix emits most of its light in the ultraviolet region, but within the visible spectrum, it emits more blue light than any other color, making it appear bluish to the naked eye. This is due to its high temperature, which results in a peak emission that falls in the ultraviolet, with significant visible light emission skewed towards the blue end of the spectrum.

Which of These MOST Plausibly Explains Why the Star Bellatrix