The surface temperature of a nearby star can be determined MOST precisely by measuring what parameters?
A) position of the star on the H-R diagram
B) Doppler shift of the star's spectral lines
C) relative strengths of emission lines from different atoms and ions in the star's spectrum
D) relative strengths of absorption lines from different atoms (e.g., H, Ca) and molecules (e.g., TiO) in the star's spectrum

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The relative strengths of absorption lines from different atoms and molecules in the star's spectrum provide information about the star's temperature, as different elements and molecules absorb light at specific wavelengths that are sensitive to temperature.

The Surface Temperature of a Nearby Star Can Be Determined